An analysis of the coping strategies used by males with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

The perceived stressors and coping strategies of 15 males ages 9 through 19 with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) were investigated. Through a semi-structured interview process, subjects were asked to identify the stressful situations they encounter. These stressful situations were categorized semantically by independent raters.

Subjects were also asked to rate the severity and frequency of each perceived stressor on a 5-point Likert- type scale. Finally, subjects were asked to report the coping strategies utilized to deal with the stressful situations. Coping strategies were categorized in terms of active or avoidant styles.

Subjects were divided into three groups for comparison: 9 to 12 year olds, 13 to 15 year olds, and 16 to 19 year olds. Five variables were investigated to determine the relationships between age of subject, type of stressor, severity of stressor, frequency of stressor, and coping strategy.

Results indicated that this sample of males with DMD identified six primary sources of stress related to their disease. Younger subjects were more concerned with the physical implications of their disease, while older subjects voiced greater concern about psychosocial issues. Specifically, results supported the research question that older subjects would be more concerned than younger subjects with the implications of their disease for a shortened life span. No substantial age differences were found in terms of types of coping strategies reported. Overall, however, active coping strategies were reported more than avoidant strategies. In addition, there was evidence of the use cognitive approaches to coping in all three age groups. Within the total sample, a moderate correlation was noted between severity and frequency of a stressor.