The structure of coping in AIDS caregivers: A factor analytically derived measure

We report on the development of a new coping inventory. Findings demonstrat e factorial invariance for 3 factors across 3 groups of caregivers. From a 19-item summative inventory, we derived a 3-factor model including direct p roblem management, positive outlook, and reality-based coping. The model, i nclusive of 9 items, appears to have consistent factor structure across gro ups. Results offer evidence that the 3-factor structure is robust and may b e generalized across other groups of caregivers. The model provides an acce ptable fit with coping concepts of direct problem management, cognitive, an d perceptual management of meaning. Findings suggest that caregivers are si milar in these 3 dimensions of coping; that domain-specific caregiving expe riences are responsible for selection of coping efforts comprising these co ping dimensions.