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.