Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of coping responses and health status in persons with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The authors investigated the relations of coping with psychological adjustment and functional status in 46 adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The participants completed questionnaires that measured coping with SLE, depression, and functional impairment. A subgroup (n = 22) completed the same questionnaires an average of 7.7 months later. Correlational and regression analyses revealed that, at Time 1, passive coping strategies (eg, avoidance, wishful thinking, blaming self) were significantly related to poorer psychological adjustment and functional status. Problem-focused coping was significantly associated with less depression. Longitudinal analyses showed that using wishful thinking and seeking social support at Time 1 were significant predictors of adjustment at Time 2. These findings are compared with findings from studies of other population groups with chronic illnesses.