Connection between coping strategies and quality of life in outpatient with depression – cross-sectional study

Background The quality of life is a multidimensional phenomenon which represents all aspects of patient's well-being and various areas of the patient's life. Specific coping strategies may be connected with the quality of life and also with the severity of the disorder. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the coping strategies and quality of life in outpatients with depressive disorder. Methods Eighty-two outpatients, who met ICD-10 criteria for depressive disorders, were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were recorded. Individuals with depression filled out the standardized measures: The Stress Coping Style Questionnaire (SVF-78), The Quality of Life Satisfaction and Enjoyment Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), and The Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Results The patients overuse negative coping strategies, especially, escape tendency and resignation. Using of positive coping is in average level (the strategy Positive self-instruction is little used). Coping strategies are significantly associated with quality of life. Higher using of positive coping has a positive association with QoL. The main factors related to QoL are the subjective severity of the disorder, employment and positive coping strategies according to regression analysis. Conclusions This study revealed the connection between coping strategies and quality of life in patients with depressive disorders. Strengthening the use of positive coping strategies may have a positive effect on the quality of life, mental conditions and treatment of patients with depression.