An Exploration of Stress and Coping in Adults with Physical Disabilities: Are there Differences based on Living Environments?

Abstract

With the increasing and aging population of individuals with physical disabilities, it is vital to examine factors that influence well-being. Using the lenses of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and the Stress Proliferation Theory, this study examined the relationship between stress levels and coping strategies based on living environment, perception of illness, pain, depression, gender, and job status. Participants were adults between the ages of 18 to 64 years old with physical disabilities who have mobility limitations. Stress and coping strategies were measured using the Health Care Stress Inventory and the Coping Response Inventory, respectively. Binomial logistic regression models found four significant interactions: 1) high pain levels predict use of active coping strategies; 2) high pain levels predict high stress; 3) depression predicts high stress; and 4) having a paid job predicts high stress. Treatment interventions should focus on the use of adaptive coping strategies that mediate stress levels, depression, pain level, and perception of illness. Policy-makers should focus on the barriers to sustainable employment, including reliable transportation, accommodating environments, and decreasing stigma and discrimination. KEYWORDS: Active Coping, Living Environments, Physical Disability, Stress Proliferation Theory, Transactional Model of Stress and Coping