COPING AND REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

The present research project is based on assessing predictions based on a cognitive appraisal model by Lazarus as to the coping mechanisms used by repetitive strain patients as they appraised their injury, how they coped with their injury, and how they adapted to having their injury. Various predictions are assessed to determine the relationship between problem- and emotion-focused coping. Those who used emotion-focused coping considered Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) as something that must be accepted, were more negative, had more difficulty asking for help, and were younger. Those who used problem- or information-focused coping considered RSI as amenable to change, were more positive, and were older.