Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

8-2000

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Education

Major Professor

Ralph G. Brockett

Committee Members

Patricia Beitel, David Bender, Joy DeSensi, Eugene Fitzhugh

Abstract

There is no cure for asthma. It can strike those afflicted at anytime without warning. Individuals often have difficulty in coping and learning about asthma. The purpose of this project was twofold. First, this project sought to determine if a relationship existed between self-directed learning readiness and coping strategies as measured by the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) and Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WAYS), respectively. Second, this study sought to determine if differences existed in the manner in which individuals coped based upon the severity of their asthma. Eighty adults with asthma were interviewed and agreed to participate. Within a medical office, the SDLRS, WAYS and other information were gathered. A positive correlation was determined between the total score of the SDLRS and three subscales of WAYS. Significant correlations at the .05 level were "Seeking Social Support" .24, 'Planful Problem Solving" .31, and 'Positive Reappraisal" .23. A stepwise regression was also run and three factors emerged from the sample. 'Planful Problem Solving", "Escape Avoidance", and "Accepting Responsibility" explain 19 percent of the variability in the interaction between the SDLRS and the WAYS. With regard to differences in the way individuals coped with asthma based upon severity there were three subscales that provided significant differences. Significance was determined for three subscales, "Confrontive Coping" (.029), "Self-Controlling" (.005) and "Escape Avoidance" (.000). There are differences in the ways that individuals cope with asthma. For an individual with asthma, the severity matters in what coping strategies are utilized. Three specific recommendations emerged from this study. First, narrow the gap between formal asthma education and learning about asthma. Second, provide asthma education based upon both principles of self-direction and coping. Third, emphasis needs to be placed on the importance of social support. In addition, future research recommendations were provided.

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