The Coping Strategies Questionnaire: Development and preliminary validation

Abstract

The Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CAE) is a 42-item self-report measure designed to assess seven basic coping styles: (1) problem-solving coping, (2) negative auto-focused coping, (3) positive reappraisal, (4) overt emotional expression, (5) avoidance coping, (6) social support seeking, and (7) religious coping. This article describes the development and preliminary validation of the CAE, derived from a sample of college students (N = 592). The data were analysed both by items and by sub-scales, and used exploratory factor analysis. Results showed a clear seven-factor structure involving the seven basic coping styles. Low to moderate correlations were found between the seven factors. The Cronbach’s alpha reliabilities of the subscales ranged from 0.64 to 0.92 (mean = 0.79). A second-order factor solution showed a two-factor structure involving rational and emotion focused coping. Results showed also that women were more likely than men to engage (to report) in most coping strategies.