Abstract
This research aims to develop a coping scale for patients with intractable neurological diseases and to examine the reliability and effectiveness of that scale. In this study, “coping” is defined as deliberate efforts to change one's cognition or behavior toward improving one's situation or solving one's problems. Based on interviews, a questionnaire of 25 items with 5 choices of answers for each question was drafted, and valid responses were received from 243 patients with intractable neurological diseases. Statistically inappropriate items were eliminated, and factor analysis was conducted. Consequently, 15 items comprising 4 factors were selected: “sorting out of feelings,” “maintenance of independence,” “maintenance of interpersonal relations” and “self-disclosure.” Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's α coefficient (0.86) and Spearman-Brown's coefficient of reliability (0.81). The results were compared to those obtained using Ozeki's coping scale and Kawaminami's scale for subjective QOL common to patients with intractable diseases. The new scale was found to be reliable, effectiveness, and practicable.
