Stress Coping Strategies of Persons With Congenital Physical Disabilities Who Depend on Wheelchairs

Matsuura Yoshimasa; Demura Shinichi; Tanaka Yoshiharu

Volume : IV, Issue : III, March - 2015

Stress Coping Strategies of Persons With Congenital Physical Disabilities Who Depend on Wheelchairs

Matsuura Yoshimasa, Demura Shinichi, Tanaka Yoshiharu

Abstract :

This study aims to contribute to the literature by examining stress coping in persons with congenital physical disabilities who depend on wheelchairs and the relationship between several coping strategy factors. Among six stress coping factors, namely problem solving, positive cognitive coping, seeking social support, avoidance, wishful thinking and self–blame, positive cognitive coping was significantly lower in the disability group than in the group without disability. Factors of seeking social support, avoidance, wishful thinking and self–blame were mutually related regardless of ability or disability. Problem solving and positive cognitive coping were also related, but the relationship was more significant in the disability group. Persons with physical disabilities may cope with the stresses of daily life in almost the same way as persons without physical disabilities. In addition, the relationships between problem solving/ positive cognitive coping and seeking social support/self–blame are specific to persons with congenital disabilities.