In the workplace, coping by the individual is an adaptational process for maintaining interpersonal relationships, solving task-related problems, and ameliorating the emotional consequences of stressful events. In the management literature, coping strategies have been studied in terms of their relationships to job loss, new jobs and adjustment to work, business disasters, and role demands such as burnout. These investigations have varied in type of occupation, organization, and gender considered. This article analyzes an instrument that has been developed for identifying coping strategies used in these situations. A brief overview of coping and communication is presented, followed by an analysis of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, including reliability and validity information.
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