MACS-II: does coping enhance subjective control over psychotic symptoms?

Objective: Associations between subjective experience of control and the us e of self-initiated coping strategies were examined in patients with psycho tic symptoms. Method: Twenty-three patients were interviewed to assess (i) the subjective experience of distress with and control over symptoms and (ii) the coping strategies used. Results: There was a positive association between coping type and control ( OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.12). Active coping strategies had the strongest a ssociation with experience of control (active problem-solving: OR = 1.41 95 % CI: 1.18-1.68, active problem-avoiding: OR = 1.45 95% CI: 1.18-1.68). Sym ptomatic coping was negatively associated with control(OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0 .30-0.55), but was the most frequently used strategy. Depressive symptoms w ere associated with the highest number of coping strategies. Conclusion: Coping strategies differ in the degree and direction of associa ted subjective control, and symptoms differ in the degree with which coping is mobilized. Assessment of coping strategies may be useful as a prelude t o psychological therapy.