COPING WITH HALLUCINATIONS - EXPLORING STRESS AND COPING FRAMEWORK

This study explored application of the theoretical framework of Lazaru s & Folkman (1984) to coping with hallucinations in schizophrenia. Eig hty-one patients were interviewed with a structured schedule. Unprompt ed reports of coping indicated wide use of both 'hallucination-specifi c' and 'general' strategies. Factor analysis of a coping checklist pro duced three factors which were utilized in regression analyses. The ac tive acceptance factor may relate to control of hallucinations, the pa ssive coping factor predicted distress reduction but, surprisingly, th e resistance coping factor, which contained hallucination-specific cop ing strategies, predicted poor distress reduction. Clinical and resear ch implications are noted.