Coping strategies and integrative meaning as moderators of chronic illness.
This study contrasted the moderating effects of deriving integrative meaning (a primary appraisal process) with the use of specific, cognitive-behavioral strategies (a secondary appraisal process) in confronting stressors involving harm or loss. Eighty young adults and eighty older participants with varying levels of chronic illness were assessed. Open-ended responses to recalled experiences with illness and death were coded for integrative meaning and use of specific cognitive-behavioral strategies. In young adults with higher levels of chronic illness, a greater tendency to use specific cognitive-behavioral strategies was related to higher morale. In older participants, a greater tendency to derive integrative meaning was related to increased morale, regardless of illness levels.
Scioli
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Department of Psychology, Keene State College, New Hampshire 03431, USA.
McClelland
D C
DC
Weaver
S L
SL
Madden
E M
EM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D009013:Morale; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires