Are coping strategies really useful for the tinnitus patient? An investigation conducted via the internet

Abstract

This questionnaire study investigated the role of coping strategies in tinnitus. The Tinnitus Coping Strategy Questionnaire (12) was administered via the internet to a sample of 157 persons with tinnitus who were recruited for participation in a treatment trial. Also included were the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results showed a significant positive correlation between use of coping strategies and tinnitus distress, even when controlling for anxiety sensitivity, and anxiety and depression levels in a multiple regression analysis. In line with previous studies, the role of coping strategies is not uniformly positive for tinnitus patients, and might even be associated with increased distress. Treatment implications are discussed and a possible role of acceptance strategies is put forward.

• tinnitus
• coping
• internet
• anxiety
• depression