A Multidimensional Perspective on COPD: How Coping Styles and Self-Esteem Relate to Psychological Distress and...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Psychology
• Health Outcomes Research

Background:

• Psychological resources significantly impact clinical outcomes and disease burden in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Understanding the interplay between coping strategies, self-esteem, and patient-reported outcomes in COPD is crucial for comprehensive care.
• Existing research has not fully elucidated the complex interactions between psychological factors and disease severity in COPD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between coping strategies, self-esteem, psychological distress, symptom impact, and functional capacity in patients with moderate and severe COPD.
• To identify how different coping mechanisms are associated with disease severity and psychological well-being in COPD.
• To explore predictors of adaptive and avoidant coping styles in a COPD cohort.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 93 patients with stable COPD (moderate and severe GOLD criteria).
• Assessments included spirometry, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), mMRC dyspnea scale, HADS, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the COPE inventory.
• Statistical analyses involved group comparisons, correlation analyses (Benjamini-Hochberg corrected), and multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• Severe COPD patients exhibited lower self-esteem, reduced 6MWT distance, higher anxiety, and greater symptom burden (CAT scores).
• Patients with severe COPD utilized less problem- and emotion-focused coping, and more avoidant coping.
• Problem- and emotion-focused coping correlated with higher self-esteem and better 6MWT, while avoidant coping linked to increased dyspnea, higher CAT, and lower self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• Severe COPD is characterized by heightened psychological distress, diminished self-esteem, and a greater reliance on avoidant coping mechanisms.
• Conversely, elevated self-esteem and superior functional capacity are associated with the adoption of adaptive coping strategies in COPD.
• These findings underscore the importance of psychological interventions in managing COPD patients, particularly those with severe disease.