Health Psychology, 2nd Edition

reappraisal. Some subsequent researchers have criticized these measures on the grounds
that other studies have failed to replicate these eight factors. For example, in a review
of coping measures, Skinner et al. (2003) argue that eight studies that used the WOC
produced eight different sets of categories based on factor analyses with the number
of categories ranging from two to nine. Carver, Scheier and Weintraub (1989) also
criticized the model for its lack of comprehensive coverage of coping methods.
To overcome this problem, Carver et al. (1989) produced an alternative, theory-
based questionnaire called the COPE. This is based on both Lazarus’ theory and their
own model of behavioural self-regulation. The strategies measured by this questionnaire
are shown in Research methods 5.1. The measure includes more distinct types of

COPING AND SOCIAL SUPPORT 93

Measuring coping using the COPE (adapted from Carver

et al., 1989)

The COPE questionnaire consists of sub-scales to assess each of the following

types of coping. The response scale can be adjusted to apply to a particular

situation or to assess dispositional coping. The measure (or sometimes specific

sub-scales) is still frequently used in a wide range of research e.g. Beatty et al.,

2011; Alarcon, Edwards and Clark, 2013).

Primarily problem-focused coping

• Active coping, e.g. ‘I take direct action to get around the problem’.


• Planning, e.g. ‘I make a plan of action’.


• Suppression of competing activities, e.g. ‘I put aside other activities in order to
  concentrate on this’.


• Restraint coping, e.g. ‘I hold off doing anything about it until the situation permits’.


• Seeking instrumental social support, e.g. ‘I try to get advice from someone
  about what to do’.

Primarily emotion-focused coping

• Seeking emotional social support, e.g. ‘I discuss my feelings with someone’.


• Focus on and venting emotion, e.g. ‘I get upset and let my emotions out’.


• Behavioural disengagement, e.g. ‘I give up the attempt to get what I want’.


• Mental disengagement, e.g. ‘I go to the cinema or watch television, to think
  about it less’.


• Positive reinterpretation and growth, e.g. ‘I learn something from the experience’.


• Denial, e.g. ‘I act as though it hasn’t even happened’.


• Acceptance, e.g. ‘I learn to live with it’.


• Turn to religion, e.g. ‘I try to find comfort in my religion’.


• Alcohol/drug use, e.g. ‘I use alcohol and drugs to help me get through it’.


• Humour, e.g. ‘I make jokes about it’.

RESEARCH METHODS 5.1