Abstract
This research was conducted to explore the cause-effect relationship between coping and adaptational outcomes. Cognitive behavior therapy was employed to change coping styles. During a 4-week period, 10 subjects were treated with methods of relaxation as an active-coping skill (RCT) and problem-solving training (PST), while 10 subjects served as a waiting list control. Coping scale scores measured by the revised Ways of Coping Checklist and psychological/physical symptom levels were obtained before and after the treatments, and also after a follow-up period of 14 months. The subjects treated with RCT and PST showed significant reductions in symptoms as well as significant increases in problem-focused coping both after the treatment and at the follow-up measurement. The control group did not show any significant change in symptoms and coping. The results indicate that RCT and PST are effective in changing tangible coping styles and, therefore, in reducing psychological/physical symptoms.
