Publication Abstract Display
Type: Published Abstract
Title: Do men with HIV-related cognitive impairment have limited coping flexibility?
Authors: Manly J, Patterson T, Semple S, Heaton R, Atkinson JH, Velin R, Cherner M, Koch W, Chandler J, Grant I, and the HNRC Group
Year: 1994
Publication: Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Volume: 16 Issue: S Pages: S185
Abstract:The association between neuropsychological (NP) impairment and coping flexibility was examined in a sample of 191 HIV+ men. At baseline and one year follow-up, the Ways pf Coping-Revised was administered. Using data from a life events interview, trained raters objectively determined if subjects experienced major life adversity. NP functioning was assessed from performance on an expanded Halstead-Reitan Battery. ANCOVAs were performed to examine whether changes in coping activity from baseline to follow-up were different between globally NP impaired and unimpaired subjects, while adjusting for change in depressed mood (assessed by the POMS). Results showed that impaired and unimpaired subjects changed their use of approach coping differently, depending on experience of major life adversity. These findings suggest that NP impaired subjects seem to overcompensate for their impairments, and use more coping activity regardless of the requirements of a situation. This may reflect a deficit in appraisal skills, or the ability to fit coping activity to the demands of a stressful situation.

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