Table 1.

Principal component analysis: scale loadings, explained variance and internal consistency.

Coping strategies
	I	II	III	IV	V
Behavioral disengagement	0.78
Denial	0.78
Mental disengagement	0.64
Substance use	0.55
Use of emotional social support		0.87
Use of instrumental social support		0.78
Focus on and venting of emotions		0.61
Active coping			0.76
Restraint			0.64
Suppression of competing activities			0.59
Planning			0.55
Positive reinterpretation and growth				0.77
Acceptance				0.63
Religious coping					0.80
Humor					0.66
% variance explained	14.58	14.00	13.26	10.60	9.21
Alpha coefficient Avoidance coping Social support Active coping Positive aptitude Religious faith and humor	0.77	0.82	0.75	0.66	0.82