Lazarus's cognitive-phenomenological analysis of psychological stress provided the theoretical framework. Subjects indicated on Lazarus's Ways of Coping Checklist those coping thoughts and actions used in the specific encounter described as stressful. As hypothesized, individuals experiencing higher diastolic blood pressure were more likely to cope using strategies characterized by wishful thinking, avoidance, and minimization of threat than were individuals exhibiting lower blood pressure. Age, sex, and smoking were added to the multiple regression analysis as control variables. Further research directions are introduced. 4 tables, 55 references. (Author abstract)