[Coping processes in selected groups of chronically ill patients].
The concept of coping has gained a central importance in research on chronic disease. Underlying methodological aspects are briefly reviewed. This study examined the psychological and behavioral correlates of major coping strategies used by medically ill patients in dealing with their illness (N = 48 patients with myocardial infarction and 48 patients with liver-complaints) during the rehabilitation. Coping response was measured by the "Stressverarbeitungsfragebogen" by Janke et al. (1985), while other variables (psycho-social factors) were tapped by a variety of self-report, test measures (Zerssen-Scale-1976-for emotional state) as well as by interview data in a time of three years (longitudinal study). Significant differences were found for each of the patient-groups. Effectiveness of coping appeared to be negatively linked to frequent use of "avoidance" and "resignation" in patients with psycho-social strain. The choice of a specific coping strategy is most likely multidetermined and depends of the connection with illness-state and is changed over time. The knowledge of coping strategy preferences has a very important function for the relationship between physician and patient and process of rehabilitation.
Kunzendorff
E
E
Institut für Sozialhygiene, Medizinischen Akademie Erfurt.
Wilhelm
M
M
Scholl
U
U
Scholl
M
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012803:Sick Role
Coping-Prozesse bei ausgewählten Gruppen chronisch Kranfer.