What is wrong with coping assessment? A review of conceptual and methodological issues

Journal/Book: Psychol Health. 1997; 12: C/O Stbs Ltd, PO Box 90, Reading, Berks, England RG1 8JL. Harwood Acad Publ GmbH. 417-431.

Abstract: Although numerous measures of coping have been presented in the literature, many suffer from methodological flaws. This article argues that efforts to improve coping assessment should not be Limited to enhancing psychometric quality, since methodological shortcomings reflect more basic underlying conceptual problems of the coping constuct. Two types of problems in coping assessment are discussed, based on a review of well-known coping measures. The first concerns conceptual issues, such as the process versus trait approach to coping and the lack of clear theoretical guidelines for systematic exploration of the appropriate measurement level and number of coping dimensions. The second concerns the issue of developing appropriate techniques to evaluate psychometric properties of process measures of coping. Several recommendations for improving the quality of coping assessment are suggested.

Note: Review DeRidder D, Univ Utrecht, Dept Clin & Hlth Psychol, POB 80140, NL-3508 Tc Utrecht, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): coping assessment; coping measures; situation-specific coping; coping questionnaires; coping methodology; AGE-DIFFERENCES; PAIN PATIENTS; STRATEGIES; CHECKLIST; STRESS; HEALTH; QUESTIONNAIRE; ADJUSTMENT; VALIDATION; INVENTORY

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