Factor structure of the Brief COPE in patients with melanoma.

This study aims to investigate the factor structure and construct validity of the Brief COPE among patients diagnosed with melanoma. The sample included 174 melanoma patients (Mage = 59.5 years; SD = 13.8) whose coping strategies were assessed using the Brief COPE. General distress (depression, anxiety) was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 4, while skin cancer–specific distress was assessed using the Skin Cancer Index. Emotional processing and expression were assessed using the Emotional Approach Coping scale. A maximum-likelihood factor analysis with promax rotation supported an 8-factor solution explaining 69.6% of the variance. The factors were named problem solving (α = .84), support seeking (α = .86), religion (r = .80), substance use (r = .91), disengagement (α = .67), humour (r = .62), self-blame (r = .69), and acceptance (r = .56). Construct validity was supported by statistically significant relationships between the Brief COPE and measures of related psychological constructs in the hypothesised direction. Findings from this study suggest the Brief COPE may be best conceptualised as an 8-factor scale for use with the melanoma population and support the measures’ use in assessing coping strategies in these patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
Source: Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research