Proactive Coping Inventory (PCI)
A multidimensional self-report instrument designed to measure proactive coping and other distinct coping strategies.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Proactive Coping Inventory (PCI) was developed by Esther Greenglass, Ralf Schwarzer, & Steffen Taubert (1999). It is designed to measure Proactive Coping. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 55 items organized into 7 factors/subscales: Proactive Coping, Reflective Coping, Strategic Planning, Preventive Coping, Instrumental Support Seeking, Emotional Support Seeking, Avoidance Coping.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Proactive Coping | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 | 14 |
| Reflective Coping | 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25 | 11 |
| Strategic Planning | 26,27,28,29 | 4 |
| Preventive Coping | 30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39 | 10 |
| Instrumental Support Seeking | 40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47 | 8 |
| Emotional Support Seeking | 48,49,50,51,52 | 5 |
| Avoidance Coping | 53,54,55 | 3 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Not at all true, 2 = Barely true, 3 = Somewhat true, 4 = Completely true.
The scale includes 3 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 55 to 220. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Coping Capacity: 55 – 110
- Moderate Coping Capacity: 111 – 165
- High Coping Capacity: 166 – 220
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.