The Relationship of Coping Style and Psychological Distress in the Survivors of Sampoong Accident

Choi, Yun Kyeung; Lee, Min Soo; Lee, Joon Sang; Shin, Dong Kyun

Abstract

Although the same traumatic stress was experienced, the presenting symptoms and their severity might be different. The difference could be associated with the coping style. Thus we were interested in which coping style is more efficient in dealing with stress. Among the 624 survivors of Sampoong Accident we selected active coping group(n=67) and passive coping group(n=63) using the Ways of Coping Checklist. These two groups were compared on scores in Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Impact of Event Scale, MMPI, and 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire. The passive coping group reported that they were more anxious and depressive, and they showed more intrusive thought about traumatic stress, denial, and vulnerable factors of personality than active coping group. These results suggest that active coping style such as problem-focused coping and seeking social supports is more efficient and successful in case as Sampoong Accident. Therefore, for the survivors of extremely traumatic accident, training of active coping skills can be helpful for rehabilitation and adaptation in everyday life.