Objective: To investigate the factor structure and internal consistency of the Brief COPE, adapted for use with adults with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).
Design: Prospective cohort study.
Setting: Hospital based emergency department and concussion clinic.
Participants: A total of 147 adults meeting diagnostic criteria for MTBI.
Main measure: Brief COPE.
Analyses: The previously reported 9-factor structure of the Brief COPE was tested by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and then exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The Cronbach α was computed for both the original subscales and those derived from EFA.
Results: The CFA provided a less than satisfactory fit for the 9-factor model. While the EFA solution was very similar to that of the original scale, the reliability of some derived subscales was low. Further analyses identified improved internal consistency with a 3-factor model reflecting approach, avoidance, and help-seeking coping styles.
Conclusions: The Brief COPE has satisfactory psychometric properties for use in MTBI but may be more reliably and meaningfully interpreted using 3 dimensions/subscales rather than 9.