The purpose of this study was to examine the types of coping strategies used by middle-aged
(n = 51) and older women (n = 49) who had a mastectomy and the relationship between the
types of coping strategies used and the level of depression they experienced. Although both age
groups of women used active-cognitive and active-behavioral coping strategies, more of the
older women employed avoidance strategies than their middle-aged counterparts. The type of
coping strategies used was not associated with depression levels for the middle-aged women.
For older women, using avoidance strategies and not using cognitive strategies were associated
with higher depression scores
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