Coping strategies and locus of control following traumatic brain injury: relationship to long-term outcome.

Cluster-analytic techniques were used to categorize coping strategies (CS) measured by the Ways of Coping--Revised Scale, and locus of control (LOC) beliefs measured by the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale in 53 male traumatically brain-injured (TBI) persons. A cluster characterized by comparatively higher use of self-controlling and positive reappraisal CS and lower external LOC was associated with significantly lower mood disturbance and physical difficulties and a trend to be less depressed. The age of the neurologically injured patient and Taylor's (1983) cognitive adaptation theory may be important aspects of recovery from TBI and other neurological conditions.