Coping behaviors as predictors of the course of clinical depression

Gordon Parker, Laurence Brown, Ilse Blignault

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We assessed a large sample of nonmelancholic, depressed subjects, using a self-report measure we developed, to determine behavioral coping dimensions and the predictive validity of the measure. A principal-components analysis of measure scores suggested dimensions of distraction, support seeking, self-consolation, recklessness, affect reduction, and help seeking, largely replicating findings in nonclinical groups. Factor scores on each dimension were calculated for the subsample of depressive subjects consulting a psychiatrist. Those baseline scores were examined against subse quent improvement in depression levels at six and 20 weeks. A significant and consistent predictor of a poor outcome was a higher initial score on the self-consolation dimension. A better outcome was weakly associated at six and 20 weeks with higher scores on affect reduction, whereas higher distraction scores were weakly associated with a poorer outcome at 20 weeks. The study thus confirmed the relevance of coping behaviors in a clinically depressed group and demonstrated the predictive strength of the measure.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)561-565
Number of pages5
JournalArchives of General Psychiatry
Volume43
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1986

Keywords

  • adjustment (psychology)
  • depression_mental

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