Coping strategies and adjustment after closed-head injury: a cluster analytical approach

This study examined the effects of coping strategies as moderators of long-term psychosocial and emotional adjustment following closed-head injury. Cluster analysis was used to separate 69 CHI patients into three clinically relevant groups on the basis of responses to the revised Ways of Coping questionnaire. The groups were then compared on a series of validation measures. There were no differences apparent between the three clusters in age, Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission to hospital, or in relatives' ratings of psychiatric symptomatology among the patients. However, the cluster characterized by a generally high use of a wide range of coping strategies had higher ratings of depression, as well as more psychosocial, cognitive and physical difficulties than the other groups. As with other chronic illnesses, it appears that the use of cognitive mechanisms that act as reality 'buffers' may be an important component of improved adjustment to closed-head injury.