An exploratory study of coping styles in schizophrenic patients.

The coping strategies employed by thirty schizophrenics were examined in relation to their psychopathology. A total of 251 coping styles were identified in the patient group. The commonly used techniques were behavioral control, cognitive methods and socialization. These findings suggest that schizophrenic patients employ active methods to handle the distressing symptoms experienced by them. The coping patterns were then studied in relation to specific symptoms. Schizophrenics with predominant thought disorder utilized specific task oriented methods in addition to a wide variety of cognitive approaches; those with delusions minimized their socialization and shifted their attention away from distressing thoughts and patients with hallucinations employed distraction techniques and increased their socialization. In contrast, those with non-psychotic symptoms resorted to more direct help from outside. The common method employed by patients in relation to both psychotic and neurotic symptoms was one of indulgence, usually excessive coffee consumption or smoking. The findings are discussed in relation to their practical applications and suggestions for future studies are outlined.