Cognitive Coping Strategies and Coping Modes in Relation to Chronic Pain Disability

Abstract

This study was an exploratory assessment of the influence that both situation-specific (cognitive coping strategies) and general cognitive coping strategies (cognitive coping modes) exert on measures of disability among persons with chronic pain. A demographics sheet and three assessment instruments, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, and the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory were distributed to 103 individuals with chronic pain. After controlling for two demographic variables, compensation status and age, results suggested that one of the situation-specific cognitive strategies, helplessness, was associated with both measures of disability: interference due to pain and self control. One of the general strategies, avoidance, was associated with both measures of disability. A second general strategy, acceptance/resignation, was associated with perceived self-control. Implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed.