Abstract
Objective: To determine the factor structure of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ)1 in chronic low back pain patients (CLBP) presenting for physiotherapy.
Subjects: CLBP patients presenting for their first assessment at an outpatient physiotherapy department were used (N = 105; 60% male; M age = 41 yrs; SD ± 10).
Design: A factor analysis, using varimax rotation, was performed on patients’ responses to the CSQ. Factors emerging with eigenvalues of ≥1 were considered. A coping strategy was included in a factor if it correlated with the factor at a level greater than 0.6.
Results: Three factors accounted for 70% of the variance in questionnaire responses. Factor 1, labeled Adaptive Coping, accounted for 35% of the variance and comprised the subscales for reinterpreting pain sensations, ignoring pain sensations, and coping self-statements. Factor 2, labeled Maladaptive Coping, accounted for 23% of the variance and comprised the subscales for diverting attention, catastrophizing, praying or hoping, and behavioural coping styles. The final factor, labeled Efficacy of Pain Management, accounted for 12% of the variance and comprised the two single-item scales. Adaptive Coping was positively correlated with Maladaptive Coping (r = 0.37, P < 0.01). Efficacy of Pain Management was positively correlated with Adaptive Coping (r = 0.28, P < 0.01). A non-significant negative correlation was found between Maladaptive Coping and Efficacy of Pain Management (r = −0.03, P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Three underlying factors, labelled Adaptive Coping, Maladaptive Coping, and Efficacy of Pain Management accounted for 70% of the variance in questionnaire responses.
Abstracts prepared by Mr. A. J. Stirling, FRCS, and Miss A. Weaver. Correspondence should be addressed to Miss A. Weaver at the Research and Teaching Centre, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK
BritSpine 2002, the second combined meeting of the British Association of Spinal Surgeons, the British Cervical Spine Society, The British Scoliosis Society and the Society for Back Pain Research, took place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham UK between 27th February and 1st March 2002. The following presentations and posters were given and displayed.
References:
1 Rosenstiel, A. K. and Keefe, F. J. (1983). The use of coping strategies in chronic low back pain patients: Relationship to patient characteristics and current adjustment. Pain, 17, 33–44. Google Scholar
