Technique 1.176 Proactive Coping Inventory (CPI)
Introduction
Life can seem to be very hectic at times, ie you find yourself
"...juggling a multitude of daily challenges, large and small, or unexpected events that send your anxiety or stress responses into a tailspin. When this happens, it can be difficult to take a moment to check in and see how you're really coping. You might think you're doing okay and participating in supportive behaviours, but how accurate is that really? And how do you reflect adequately to address what might be indulging in behaviours that are counter intuitive to helping us cope effectively..."
Elaine Mead, 2019
The objective is to measure different proactive, self-help approaches to coping and are contained in 7 elements:
i) proactive coping
ii) preventative coping
iii) reflective coping
iv) strategic planning
v) instrumental support seeking
vi) emotional support seeking
vii) avoidance coping.
There are 55 statements in this technique; with participants need to rank each statement from between 1 (not at all true) through to 4 (completely true).
"...statements deal with reaction you may have to various situations. Indicate how true each of these statements is, depending on how you feel about the situation..."
E. Greenglass et al Seph Fontane Pennock, 2019
Statements
1. Proactive Coping
1.1 You are a 'take charge' person
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.2 You try to let things work out on their own*i
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.3 After attaining a goal, you look for another, more challenging one
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.4 You like challenges and beating the odds
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.5 You visualise your dreams and try to achieve them
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.6 Despite numerous setbacks, you use them to help in getting what you want
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.7 You try to pinpoint what you need to succeed
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.8 You always try to find a way to work around obstacles, nothing really stops you
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.9 You often see yourself failing so you don't get your hopes up too high*i
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.10 When you apply for a position, you imagine yourself filling it
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.11 You turn obstacles into positive experiences
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.12 If someone tells you that you cannot do something, you can be sure you will do it
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.13 When you experience a problem, you take the initiative in resolving it
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
1.14 When you have a problem, you usually see yourself in a no-win situation*i
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
Notes
i) reverse the score, eg if ticked 'completely true' give yourself a score of 1, etc
2. Reflective Coping Scale
2.1 You imagine yourself solving difficult problems
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
2.2 Rather than acting impulsively, you usually think of various ways to solve a problem
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
2.3 In your mind you go through many different scenarios in order to prepare yourself the different outcomes
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
2.4 You tackle the problem by thinking about realistic alternatives
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
2.5 When you have a problem with your co-workers, friends or family, you imagine beforehand how you will deal with them successfully
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
2.6 Before tackling a difficult task, you imagine success scenarios
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
2.7 You take action only after thinking carefully about a problem
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
2.8 You imagine yourself solving a difficult problem before you actually have to face it
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
2.9 You address a problem from various angles unto you find the appropriate action
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
2.10 When there are serious misunderstandings with co-workers, family members or friends, you practise before how you will deal with them
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
2.11 You think about every possible outcome to a problem before tackling it
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
3. Strategic Planning
3.1 You often find ways to break down difficult problems into manageable components
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
3.2 You make a plan and follow it
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
3.3 You break down a problem into smaller parts and do one part at a time
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
3.4 You make a list and try to focus on the most important thing first
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
4. Preventative Coping Scale
4.1 You plan for future eventualities
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
4.2 You try to talk and explain your stress in order to get feedback from friends
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
4.3 You prepare for adverse events
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
4.4 Before disaster strikes, you are well prepared for its consequences
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
4.5 You plan your strategies to change a situation before you act
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
4.6 You develop your job skills to protect yourself against unemployment
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
4.7 You make sure your family is well taken care of to protect them from adversity in the future
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
4.8 You think ahead to avoid dangerous situations
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
4.9 You plan strategy in order to achieve the best possible outcome
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
4.10 You try to manage your financial affairs in order to avoid lacking money for old age
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
5 Instrumental Support Seeking Scale
5.1 When solving your own problems other people's advice can be helpful
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
5.2 You tried to talk and explain your stress in order to get feedback from your friends
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
5.3 Information you get from others has often helped you deal with your problems
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
5.4 You can usually identify people who can help you develop your own solutions to problems
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
5.5 You ask others what they would do in your situation
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
5.6 Talking to others can be really useful because it provides another perspective on the problem
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
5.7 Before getting messed up with a problem you call a friend to talk about it
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
5.8 Before you are in trouble you usually work out something with the help of others
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
6 Emotional Support Seeking Scale
6.1 If you are depressed you know who you can call to help you feel better
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
6.2 Others help you feel cared for
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
6.3 You know who you can count on when the 'chips are down'
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
6.4 When you're depressed, you get out and talk to others
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
6.5 You confide your feelings in others to build up and maintain close relationships
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
7 Avoidance Coping Scale
7.1 When you have a problem you like to sleep on it
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
7.2 If you find a problem too difficult sometimes you put it aside and address it when you're ready to deal with it
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
7.3 When you have a problem you usually let it simmer on the backburner for a while
| Not at all true (1) |
Barely true (2) |
Somewhat true (3) |
Completely true (4) |
Comments
The higher your score the better your coping expertise is.
However, low scores from particular statements would suggest areas you should seek help, such as with appropriate training, professional advice, etc
(main source: Elaine Mead, 2019)