In this study, the rank order of the five coping subscales for
both sexes was as follows: problem-focused thinking, wishful
thinking, avoidance, seeking help and blaming self. However,
previous research (Chen & Ku 1997, Hwang et al. 1997, Lee,
unpublished data) has identified seeking help as the most
frequently used strategy, while in this study this strategy was
ranked fourth out of five. This may be partially explained by
the fact that patients in our study, as reflected in the semistructured
interviews, had either family help or were satisfied
with hospital services; therefore, they spent the time focusing
on problem-solving instead of seeking help.