Heidelberg Coping Scales for Delusions: Psychometric Evaluation of an Expert Rating Instrument

Abstract

Background: Coping is of substantial relevance in the treatment and course of psychiatric disorders. Standardized instruments to assess coping with psychotic symptoms, particularly delusions, are rare. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a new instrument to assess coping strategies in the context of delusional experiences: the Heidelberg Coping Scales for Delusions (HCSD). Methods: Two hundred and twelve inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and affective disorders currently experiencing delusions were interviewed with the HCSD and other coping assessment instruments. Psychometric properties and factor structure were analyzed. Results: The HCSD showed good inter-rater reliability and convergent validity. Factor analysis yielded an interpretable structure with five factors: resource-oriented coping, medical care, distraction, cognitive coping, and depressive coping. Symptomatic behavior, due to its particular characteristics, was considered apart. Conclusion: The HCSD is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of coping strategies in patients with delusions. Further research is needed to evaluate coping changes over time and their influence on treatment and clinical outcomes.

Symptoms, functioning and coping strategies in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who do not take antipsychotic medication: a comparative interview study

“…The mean number of reported coping strategies was comparable with previous findings (Phillips et al 2009), as were the types of strategies (Lee et al . 1993; Rückl et al 2012). One exception was the use of professional help, which was – unsurprisingly – more often reported in the medicated sample.…”

Assessing delusional ideation: A narrative review of self-report instruments

“…Psychosocial interventions for psychosis usually focus on coping strategies and this can be an important outcome in assessing efficacy of such interventions. There are clinician rated instruments for assessing coping strategies in regard to delusions, such as the Heidelberg Coping Scales for Delusions (Rückl et al, 2012) that assesses the five-factor model of coping (resource-oriented, medical care, distraction, cognitive coping and depressive coping). Specific self-report measures for coping with delusions, such as the Reactions to Paranoid Thoughts Scale (specifically for paranoia), may be useful in clinical and research settings.…”

Avaliação da ideação delirante: uma revisão narrativa dos instrumentos de autorresposta

“…There are clinician rated instruments for assessing coping strategies in regard to delusions, such as the Heidelberg Coping Scales for Delusions (Rückl et al, 2012) that assesses the five-factor model of coping (resource-oriented, medical care, distraction, cognitive coping and depressive coping and good internal consistency. Convergent and discriminant validity are reported.…”