Systems of Coping Associated with Dysphoria, Anxiety and Depressive Illness: A Multivariate Profile Perspective

Abstract

As numerous coping strategies to deal with stressors can be used concurrently or sequentially, it may be productive to consider coping from a broad, systemic perspective. Using profile analysis and multivariate techniques, we demonstrated that coping profiles comprising multiple strategies distinguished between various mood states (dysphoria, anxiety, major depression, dysthymia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)). Generally, affective disturbances were associated with increased levels of rumination, cognitive distraction and emotion-focused coping (emotional expression, other-blame, self-blame, emotional containment and passive resignation) coupled with diminished problem solving and social support seeking. These coping profiles, however, varied as a function of anxiety vs. dysphoria, and severity of dysphoric symptoms, although the profile of dysphoric individuals was similar to that of clinically diagnosed dysthymic and major depressive patients. While coping profiles were generally stable over time (6 months), improvement or deterioration of mood was accompanied by corresponding alterations of coping profiles. Importantly, coping profile was not simply a correlate of dysphoric mood, but was also found to be an antecedent condition that favored the evolution of more severe affective problems. It is suggested that a multidimensional approach may prove useful in understanding coping as a dynamic system, and may have implications for clinical intervention.

Anger and shame elicited by discrimination: Moderating role of coping on action endorsements and salivary cortisol

“…distinguishes between individuals showing stress-related disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) (Matheson & Anisman, 2003), was sensitive to social context (Matheson, Kelly, Cole, Tannenbaum, Dodd, & Anisman, 2005), and predicted stress reactions in specific situations (Matheson & Cole, 2004). Further, as reported in Matheson et al (2005), responses to subscales of the SCOPE were correlated with responses to another commonly used coping measure (Carver et al, 1989).…”

“…At the outset of the session, participants completed a 48-item scale (Survey of Coping Profiles Endorsed; SCOPE) to assess 13 coping styles reflecting a broad spectrum of cognitive/behavioral (problem-solving, cognitive restructuring, active and cognitive distraction, and rumination) and socio-emotional responses (humor, social-support seeking, emotional expression, other-and self-blame, emotional containment, and passive resignation) (Matheson & Anisman, 2003). This scale 1 There were no differences on any of the outcome measures as a function of women's suspicions regarding the study goals, with one exception.…”

Job Insecurity and Its Consequences: Investigating Moderators, Mediators and Gender

“…In comparison, prob-lem-focused coping is thought to be generally more favorable as it is action-oriented. With respect to emotion-focused coping, studies have found it to be associated with depressive mood states (Matheson & Anisman, 2003) as well as with increased psychological distress (Waters & Moore, 2001). Problem-focused coping, on the other hand, has been related to increased subjective well-being (Thoits, 1995) and decreased depressive symptoms (Frone, Russell, & Cooper, 1995).…”

“I'll look after my health, later”: an investigation of procrastination and health

“…The first year of university presents students with many challenges and demands (Arthur, 1998;Holdaway & Kelloway, 1987) making this a naturally stressful time to study these relationships. Student wellbeing is often compromised by stress during the first year (Matheson & Anisman, 2001). Further, dietary habits and physical activity, two risk factors for the development of chronic illnesses, can change for the worse during the college years (Patrick, Grace, & Lovato, 1992).…”