Author: Anum Yaqoob
Supervisor: Humaira Naz, PhD
Degree: BS
Year: 2009-2013
University: Centre for Clinical Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present study was aimed to investigate the relationship of Life Events and Coping Strategies in patients with Anxiety and Depression. Mixed group research design was used in this study and non-probability purposive sampling was used for data collection. 100 patients (50 patients with Anxiety and 50 with Depression) were selected from different government hospitals of Lahore city (M=37.8 years; SD=9.77) of age 20 and above. The questionnaires included Recent Life Change Questionnaire (RLCQ; Rahe, 1975) for measuring major Life events; Survey of Recent Life experiences for measuring minor Life Events (SRLE, Kohn & MacDonald, 1992); Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ; Kausar & Munir, 2004) for measuring Coping strategies; Patient Health questionnaire (PHQ; Spitzer, Kroenke & Williams, 1999) for measuring Anxiety and Depression symptoms. It was hypothesized that there would be a relationship between Life Events experienced by patients with Anxiety and Depression and their Coping Strategies. Correlational analysis revealed that majority of the patients with Anxiety and Depression employed Active Distractive Coping Strategies and Avoidant Focused Coping Strategies. Major Events related to Finances and Personal and Social Life predicted Anxiety symptom severity. For Depressive symptom severity, Minor Events related to Work were significant predictors. Independent sample t test was employed and no significant group differences were found in reporting Life Events, Coping Strategies and symptoms of Anxiety and Depression. An early identification of individuals experiencing Major and Minor Life Events in their life and targeting treatment interventions in them can help prevent their upcoming illnesses. Moreover, counseling guidelines can help them improve their Coping Strategies and prevent from them perpetuating the clinical symptoms.
Keywords: Major Life Events, Minor Life Events, Coping Strategies, Depression.
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