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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Investigations on Alterations of Hippocampal Circuit Function Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: November 19, 2012
Factor structure of the brief COPE in people with mild traumatic brain injury
Deborah L Snell1, Richard J Siegert, E Jean C Hay-Smith
1Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. deborah.snell@cdhb.govt.nz
Objective:
To investigate the factor structure and internal consistency of the Brief COPE, adapted for use with adults with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).
Design:
Prospective cohort study.
Setting:
Hospital based emergency department and concussion clinic.
Participants:
A total of 147 adults meeting diagnostic criteria for MTBI.
Main Measure:
Brief COPE.
Analyses:
The previously reported 9-factor structure of the Brief COPE was tested by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and then exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The Cronbach α was computed for both the original subscales and those derived from EFA.
Results:
The CFA provided a less than satisfactory fit for the 9-factor model. While the EFA solution was very similar to that of the original scale, the reliability of some derived subscales was low. Further analyses identified improved internal consistency with a 3-factor model reflecting approach, avoidance, and help-seeking coping styles.
Conclusions:
The Brief COPE has satisfactory psychometric properties for use in MTBI but may be more reliably and meaningfully interpreted using 3 dimensions/subscales rather than 9.
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