Communal coping: A multi-method approach with links to relationships and health

Abstract

Communal coping is defined as the appraisal of a problem as shared and collaboration to address the problem. The goals of the present study were to apply a multi-method approach to (1) disentangle appraisal and collaboration, (2) establish links to relationships and health outcomes, and (3) demonstrate that collaboration mediates the relations of shared appraisal to outcomes. Self-report measures, an observational measure, and we-language were assessed in patients with type 2 diabetes and their spouses (n = 207). A confirmatory factor analysis distinguished the two components of communal coping; each component was linked to greater relationship quality and less psychological distress for patients and spouses as well as better diabetes self-care behaviors for patients. Mediation analyses suggested that the links of shared appraisal to these outcomes were largely accounted for by collaboration.

Keywords

Chronic illness communal coping health interpersonal coping relationships

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