Factor Structure of the Brief COPE in People With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective: To investigate the factor structure and internal consistency of the Brief COPE, adapted for use with adults with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Hospital based emergency department and concussion clinic. Participants: A total of 147 adults meeting diagnostic criteria for MTBI. Main Measure: Brief COPE. Analyses: The previously reported 9-factor structure of the Brief COPE was tested by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and then exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The Cronbach alpha was computed for both the original subscales and those derived from EFA. Results: The CFA provided a less than satisfactory fit for the 9-factor model. While the EFA solution was very similar to that of the original scale, the reliability of some derived subscales was low. Further analyses identified improved internal consistency with a 3-factor model reflecting approach, avoidance, and help-seeking coping styles. Conclusions: The Brief COPE has satisfactory psychometric properties for use in MTBI but may be more reliably and meaningfully interpreted using 3 dimensions/subscales rather than 9.