title: Coping strategies in relation to quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to examine the coping strategies of 49 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the relationships of these strategies to their perceived health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-nine subjects were assessed for collection of demographic and medical data. Each one was then asked to complete a questionnaire of coping strategies (Brief COPE) as well as a questionnaire of health-related duality of life (36-item Short Form).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Correlation analysis showed strong relationships between some coping and HRQoL dimensions, including: emotional support and physical functioning (P = 0.01) and emotional role functioning (P = 0.02); venting and mental health (P = 0.04); positive reframing and mental health (P = 0.03); and disengagement and emotional role functioning (P = 0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The relationships between some coping strategies and certain dimensions of HRQoL are shown. We now understand the usefulness of focusing on coping strategies to improve HRQoL in ALS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Laboratory APEMAC, University of Metz, EA 4360, EPSaM, Ile du Saulcy, 57000 Metz, France. montel@univ-metz.fr
authors.forename: Sébastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Montel
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Albertini
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Spitz
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life