Multiple assessment of coping strategies used by volunteer blood donors: implications for preparatory training.

The coping strategies used by volunteer blood donors were assessed in two studies. A general trait measure and a specific process measure of coping were administered in both studies. A state measure of coping was added in the second study. The relationships among these measures and their relationships with anxiety measures and demographic variables [e.g., sex and prior donation frequency] were examined. Moderate correspondence was found among the coping indices, but the process measure was most predictive of anxiety ratings. An avoidant coping strategy appeared to be most effective in terms of managing the stress of blood donation. Implications of the results for the conceptualization and assessment of coping are noted, and suggestions are made regarding factors which may affect the preparation of patients for stressful medical or dental treatment.