Description of the Questionnaire

The COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) questionnaire was developed by Carver, Scheier, and Weintraub (1989) and was adapted into Greek by P. Roussi, S. Triliva, and G. Kioseoglou. It consists of 60 statements and aims to assess 15 different coping strategies for dealing with stressful situations. These strategies are organized into two main categories: those aimed at problem-solving and those aimed at emotion regulation. Each strategy is represented by four items, measuring the extent to which the individual engages in each coping behavior.

Data Analysis and Use

Data analysis is conducted by calculating mean scores or totals for each of the 15 subscales. Each subscale is based on four relevant questionnaire items. Internal consistency (reliability) coefficients for the subscales range from 0.50 to 0.96, with most subscales exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.60. Factor analysis and correlations with other variables indicate satisfactory construct validity.

Use of Data

The COPE questionnaire is widely used both in research and clinical settings. It can be applied to assess how individuals from various environments and situations cope with stress and everyday difficulties. It is applicable to populations such as students, employees, patients, and the general public, and is often used to inform the development of psychological support or intervention programs.

Purpose

The aim of the questionnaire is to identify the strategies individuals use to cope with stress and anxiety. By evaluating these strategies, the instrument facilitates an understanding of individual differences in adaptation to challenges and supports the enhancement of effective coping mechanisms.

Scoring

Responses are rated on a 4-point Likert scale, from 1 (never) to 4 (very often). Each of the 15 subscales is calculated from the average or total score of four specific items. For example, the active coping subscale includes items 4, 23, 42, and 51, while other subscales include items such as 5, 24, 43, 62 (positive reinterpretation), or 6, 25, 44, 63 (withdrawal), etc. Higher scores on each subscale indicate more frequent use of the corresponding coping strategy.

Bibliography

Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F., & Weintraub, J. K. (1989). Assessing coping strategies: A theoretically based approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 56, 267–283.
Roussi, P. (2001). The adaptation of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) scale in the Greek population. In S. Valavanis, S. Triliva & I. Mpexevegkis (Eds.), Stress, Anxiety and their Management (pp. 281–293). Athens: Ellinika Grammata.