Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experience – A-COPE
Measures the behaviors and coping strategies adolescents use to manage difficulties, stress, or tension.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experience – A-COPE was developed by Joan M. Patterson, Hamilton I. McCubbin (1987). It is designed to measure Adolescent Coping Strategies. The scale is intended for use with Adolescents.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 54 items organized into 12 factors/subscales: Ventilating feelings, Seeking diversions, Developing self-reliance and optimism, Developing social support, Solving family problems, Avoiding family problems, Seeking spiritual support, Investing in close friends, Seeking professional support, Engaging in demanding activities, Being humorous, Relaxing.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilating feelings | 14,19,22,26,28,49,51 | 7 |
| Seeking diversions | 2,5,7,11,17,33,37,38,43,48,53 | 11 |
| Developing self-reliance and optimism | 13,15,25,32,36,45,47 | 7 |
| Developing social support | 4,18,30,35 | 4 |
| Solving family problems | 1,12,31,39,41,50 | 6 |
| Avoiding family problems | 8 | 1 |
| Seeking spiritual support | 21,23,44 | 3 |
| Investing in close friends | 16,29,52 | 3 |
| Seeking professional support | 6,34 | 2 |
| Engaging in demanding activities | 10,27,40,54 | 4 |
| Being humorous | 3,20 | 2 |
| Relaxing | 9,24,42,46 | 4 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree).
The scale includes 9 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 54 to 270. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low coping strategy utilization: 54 – 126
- Moderate coping strategy utilization: 127 – 198
- High coping strategy utilization: 199 – 270
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.