Coping and self-image in patients with symptoms attributed to indoor environment

This study investigated self-image and coping ability in a group of patients with symptoms from indoor environment. A follow-up questionnaire was sent to 239 patients previously referred with nonspecific building-related symptoms at University Hospital in Umeå, Sweden. One hundred seventy-four women and 14 men answered and the patient group rated their self-image as more spontaneous, more positive, and less negative than a control group. The patient group rated higher on the cognitive scale in the Coping Resources Inventory (CRI) than the control group. The female patients had an increased risk of not being able to work associated with a low score on negative self-image. The authors conclude that certain personality traits may be potential risk factors that increase the probability of encountering and experiencing stressful work situations. The resulting stress may increase workers' susceptibility to indoor environment exposure.