Communal coping: A multi-method approach with links to relationships and health

Communal coping is defined as the appraisal of a problem as shared and collaboration to address the problem. The goals of the present study were to apply a multi-method approach to (1) disentangle appraisal and collaboration, (2) establish links to relationships and health outcomes, and (3) demonstrate that collaboration mediates the relations of shared appraisal to outcomes. Self-report measures, an observational measure, and we-language were assessed in patients with type 2 diabetes and their spouses ( n = 207). A confirmatory factor analysis distinguished the two components of communal coping; each component was linked to greater relationship quality and less psychological distress for patients and spouses as well as better diabetes self-care behaviors for patients. Mediation analyses suggested that the links of shared appraisal to these outcomes were largely accounted for by collaboration.