A Psychometric Evaluation of an English Version of the Utrecht Coping List

Abstract

Introduction and aims

Although coping styles in individuals with eating disorders have received increased research interest in recent years, there remains a lack of brief, self-report measures that can reliably measure coping. This study developed an English version of the Utrecht Coping List (UCL) and evaluated its psychometric properties in a UK population.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study. Three hundred and fifteen participants completed the UCL and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced scale (Carver, Scheier & Weintraub, 1989). Of these, 124 completed the UCL again 6 weeks later.

Results

The UCL demonstrated strong internal consistency. Five of the seven subscales had good test–retest reliability. With the exception of the expression of emotion subscale in men, concurrent validity with the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced subscales was good.

Discussion

Although its use with men requires further investigation, this translated version of the UCL represents a reliable and valid measure of coping in women. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.