title: [Coping: a concept analysis].
abstract: Hundreds of studies have been conducted by nuring researchers on stressors requiring coping. Unfortunately, the concept of coping is poorly defined. This paper presents a conceptual analysis of the phenomenon of coping. Within the classic framework developed by Walker and Avant (1995), coping is analyzed and critical attributes are distilled. A model case, a related case and a contrary case are constructed as conceptual clarity is established. Empirical referents that exemplify the concept of coping are identified. The concept analysis provides a forum for dialectics, offering one defensible interpretation of a complex human occurrence. The implications for nursing are discussed in the conclusion.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, National Defense University.
authors.forename: Pei-O
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yu-Ying
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Tang
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003210:Concept Formation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans