Changes in coping style and treatment outcome following motor vehicle accident

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are highly prevalent and can result in a complex interplay of physical injury, disability, and emotional distress. It has been suggested that the manner in which individuals cope with pain experienced after injury may determine how much recovery of function can be achieved. Only a limited number of studies have examined this process in the context of a rehabilitation program, and to date few studies have examined both functional and quality of life outcomes in MVA recovery in a tertiary level program as a function of coping style.

A sample of 96 consecutive referrals to a tertiary-level multidisciplinary functional restoration program completed physical performance measures pre- and post-treatment, as well as a standardized self-report measure of quality of life (QOL) at the same time points and 6-month follow-up.

Findings suggested that improvements from pre- to post-treatment were evident on the 6-minute walk test, left and right grip strength, and most QOL measures. Increases in active coping during treatment were associated with pre- to post-treatment increases in QOL across most domains, and improvements in performance on the 6-minute walk test. Likewise, decreases in passive coping during the course of treatment were associated with improved performance on the 6-minute walk test, right-handed standing reach test, and most QOL indicators.

Findings suggest that those who adopt an active approach (and avoid taking a passive approach) to rehabilitation following complex musculoskeletal injury benefit along both QOL and functional dimensions relative to those who do not.