In this research, the utility of Folkman's meaning-based coping theory was examined using a sample of adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Folkman's research included caregivers of AIDS patients and found that meaning-based coping variables were related to positive but not negative psychological outcomes. These coping processes were used in an effort to find meaning in the midst of a stressful situation. This research examined the meaning-based coping variables of positive reappraisal, goal-directed problem focused coping, and religious beliefs/practices in relation to psychological and physical outcomes. The study used 118 clients seeking care at a pain clinic who were diagnosed with CLBP. Meaning-based coping variables were examined using scales from the COPE inventory. Religious practices were evaluated with the Religious Practices Questionnaire. Psychological outcomes were examined using three subscales from Ryff's Well-Being Scale and the shortened PANAS assessed both positive and negative affect. Two physical outcome scales from the SF-36 were used to assess physical outcomes. In addition, five clients were interviewed in order to elaborate on the use of coping processes in this sample. Bivariate correlations and a series of hierarchical multiple regressions were used to assess each of the outcomes. The models included, first, the significantly correlated control variables and, secondly, the meaning-based coping variables. For psychological outcomes, the model including all of the meaning-based coping variables accounted for significant variance in positive but not negative outcomes. These findings support Folkman's meaning-based coping processes as useful among clients with CLBP. The addition of meaning-based coping variables did not contribute significantly to the variance in physical functioning outcomes. This finding replicated Folkman's research findings. Interviews provided evidence that clients do use all meaning-based coping variables in addition to the coping processes of perseverance, social support, and distraction. First identified in Folkman's research, the coping process of infusing ordinary events with positive meaning was also identified in the interviews. These results indicated that Folkman's meaning-based coping theory is useful when examining psychological outcomes but not physical functioning outcomes. Additional research is required to further evaluate the use of meaning-based coping processes in adults with CLBP.
My Research