title: Coping strategies and integrative meaning as moderators of chronic illness.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Keene State College, New Hampshire 03431, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scioli
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: McClelland
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Madden
mesh_terms: 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