On the Use of Checklist Measures of Coping in Studies of Adaptation to Cancer

Abstract

Self-report checklist measures of coping continue to be widely used in research on cancer adaptation. The article considers the appropriateness and usefulness of checklist measures for studying the process of coping in this research. Some deficiencies of the conventional application of checklists are discussed, including the failure of checklist data to provide information on (1) the precise character of coping efforts, (2) the intentions underlying the use of specific coping mechanisms, and (3) the natural histoiy or sequencing of coping efforts. Suggested refinements to the checklist methodology, such as the addition of focused probes to follow up endorsed checklist items, are discussed, and the strengths and weaknesses of two promising alternative or complementary methods, diaries and narrative analysis, are outlined. Finally, impediments to and impetuses for change in the assessment of coping are considered.