Journal List > J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs > v.24(3) > 1058309

Kim, Lee, Jeon, and Choi: A Study on Coping Styles for Dysmenorrhea and Affecting Factors in Middle School Students

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate coping styles for dysmenorrhea and explore factors related with their coping styles according to different health loci of control in middle schoolers.

Methods

Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire for 572 students from three middle schools in Seoul from March 22 to April 2, 2010. The measurement included menstrual distress, coping method questionnaire and health locus of control. The data were analyzed by using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis.

Results

Middle school students used the active behavioral coping style more often than the avoidance style. There was a significant difference in means within each coping style including levels of stress, levels of health, and regular exercise. There were also significant correlations between each coping style and health locus of control. Regression analyses indicated that the health locus of control factor is the most powerful factor in each coping style.

Conclusion

We observed that various coping methods are used for dysmenorrhea in middle school students. However, the active behavioral coping style is dominant in such a condition. Based on these results, we need to develop a health locus of control to improve coping styles for dysmenorrhea.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Means and Standard Deviations on Coping Reponses by Coping Styles (N=572)
jkachn-24-264-i001
Table 2
The Differences of Mean in Coping style according to General Characteristics (N=572)
jkachn-24-264-i002

*Post-hoc test : Duncan's test A>B.

Table 3
Means and Standard Deviations on The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales
jkachn-24-264-i003

HLOC=health locus of control.

Table 4
Correlation between HLOC and Coping Styles (N=572)
jkachn-24-264-i004

HLOC=health locus of control.

Table 5
Multiple Regression Analysis of Coping Styles on Personal Characteristics, Health Behaviors, and Health Locus of Control
jkachn-24-264-i005

Note. Dummy variables (reference group): level of stress (low), level of health (low), regular exercise (not at all), menstrual period (1~2 days), regularities of menstruation cycle (regular), regularities of dysmenorrhea (regular); HLOC=health locus of control.

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