Factor Structure of the Brief COPE in People With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factor structure and internal consistency of the Brief COPE, adapted for use with adults with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Hospital based emergency department and concussion clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 147 adults meeting diagnostic criteria for MTBI. MAIN MEASURE: Brief COPE. ANALYSES: The previously reported 9-factor structure of the Brief COPE was tested by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and then exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The Cronbach α was computed for both the original subscales and those derived from EFA. RESULTS: The CFA provided a less than satisfactory fit for the 9-factor model. While the EFA solution was very similar to that of the original scale, the reliability of some derived subscales was low. Further analyses identified improved internal consistency with a 3-factor model reflecting approach, avoidance, and help-seeking coping styles. CONCLUSIONS: The Brief COPE has satisfactory psychometric properties for use in MTBI but may be more reliably and meaningfully interpreted using 3 dimensions/subscales rather than 9.