Coping Style in Recovery of Injured College Athletes Differs for Concussion Versus Orthopedic Injury

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To examine the coping style and depressive symptomology among student-athlete injury type (concussive vs. orthopedic) to better understand recovery factors. Methods Eighty-two (54.9% male) student-athletes, aged 18–25, completed the Coping with Health Injuries and Problems (CHIP) and PHQ-9 questionnaires during preparticipation medical evaluation. Baseline data scores were gathered in both student-athlete groups. Results A significant interaction was found between coping style and group, χ2(6)=14.06, p<.05), Cramer’s V=.29. Adjusted residuals indicated that within the concussion group, the percentage of participants who used instrumental coping (4.2%) was significantly lower than the percentage of participants who used palliative coping (41.7%), distraction coping (33.3%), and emotional preoccupation (20.8%). Conversely, participants in the orthopedic injury group were significantly more likely to utilize instrumental coping (43.3%) than the other types of coping. There was no significant relationship found between coping styles and the total PHQ-9 score. However, a significant negative relationship was found between instrumental coping and the item that measures a depressive symptom of suicidal ideation (r(82)=-.27, p=.01). Thus, reported suicidal ideation was correlated with decreased instrumental coping and vice-versa. Conclusion Type of injury had a significant relationship with the athlete’s coping style. Concussed athletes preferred palliative coping and the orthopedic injury group preferred instrumental coping. Importantly, these results can help psychologists formulate a better treatment plan tailored to the preferred coping strategy of the athlete and analyze how it affects recovery.