Abstract
This study examined the coping strategies of patients with multiple sclerosis using the Coping with Health Injuries and Problems (CHIP) scale and compared patient scores on this measure to demographic and disease-related variables as well as formal indicators of emotional, physical, and cognitive status. Participants were 41 patients diagnosed with MS who were referred for outpatient psychological or neuropsychological assessment. Participants ranged in age from 21-60 years (M = 42.32 years, SD = 9.50). Mean educational level and duration of multiple sclerosis diagnosis for participants were 14.63 years (SD = 2.27, range = 12-20 years) and 8.71 years (SD = 7.51, range = 1-38 years), respectively. In contrast to prior research and expectations, findings revealed that participants reported the highest degree of engagement in CHIP Instrumental Coping strategies followed by Distraction Coping strategies as opposed to Emotional Preoccupation. Scores of patients with multiple sclerosis on the Instrumental Coping and Distraction Coping subscales of the CHIP were found to be significantly higher than those of the scale’s standardization sample. Results also indicated that engagement in Emotional Preoccupation was associated with poorer outcomes, in particular psychological adjustment. CHIP coping strategies were not found to be a function of age, educational level, duration of MS diagnosis, disability status, or gross global cognitive status. Findings provide further validation of the CHIP and support its use in assessing the coping strategies of patients with multiple sclerosis.