The Functional Dimensions of Coping scale: Theory, reliability and validity

Abstract

Objectives. This paper details the theoretical position that coping function is transactionally defined. It details the psychometric development of an instrument to assess coping function transactionally: Functional Dimensions of Coping (FDC) scale. The FDC scale permits individuals to define for themselves what functions they believe their coping behaviours/styles perform. Four functions are used: approach, avoidance, reappraisal and emotional regulation. It was hypothesized that a four‐factor model would be a better fit to the data than other more parsimonious models (e.g. approach‐avoidance). Validity was assessed in terms of associations with health anxieties (hypochondriasis) and it was hypothesized that those who report health anxieties should perceive their coping behaviours in terms of the avoidance and reappraisal functions.Design. Two retrospective questionnaire studies (Ns = 333, 101) are reported.Methods. Survey questionnaires were distributed to two samples of undergraduate students. The data were analysed using a mixture of LISREL modelling and multiple linear regression analyses.Results. The FDC was shown to: (1) have excellent factorial validity (the four‐factor model was the best fit to the data), (2) have excellent internal psychometric properties, (3) have no significant associations with social desirability and (4) covary in predicted ways with a number of health anxieties.Conclusions. These results indicate that coping function can be assessed usefully in a transactional way.