instrument in research and practice by beginning to
establish its psychometric properties.
Our results indicate a three-factor structure of the
Coping Scale, suggesting the presence of active coping
(cognitive or behavioral efforts to address the stressor di-
rectly, think about it differently, or implement healthy
activities), avoidant coping (strategies to escape thinking
about or encountering the stressor), and social coping
subscales (seeking the support of others to cope with the
stressor). These factors are similar but not completely
aligned to Kidd and Carroll’s (2007) four anticipated di-
mensions of coping: problem-focused, avoidant coping,
social coping, and ‘‘other ways of coping’’. Specifically,
most items in the original subscale ‘‘other ways of coping’’,
which were all derived directly from Kidd’s (2003)
qualitative work, actually loaded on either the avoidant
coping factor (use my anger to get me through it; use drugs
or alcohol), or on the active coping factor (Try to learn
from the bad experience; Do a hobby; Try to value myself
and not think so much about other people’s opinions;
Realize that I am strong and can deal with whatever is
bothering me; Think about how things will get better in the
future). This new factor structure may arguably have more