Brief COPE Inventory

Scale Overview & Construct

28-item self-report measure of coping strategies across 14 subscales (2 items each): Self-Distraction, Active Coping, Denial, Substance Use, Emotional Support, Instrumental Support, Behavioral Disengagement, Venting, Positive Reframing, Planning, Humor, Acceptance, Religion, and Self-Blame.

28-Item Scale Likert Self-Report Dimensional Breakdown Server-Side Validated

Purpose & Measurement Objectives

28-item self-report measure of coping strategies across 14 subscales (2 items each): Self-Distraction, Active Coping, Denial, Substance Use, Emotional Support, Instrumental Support, Behavioral Disengagement, Venting, Positive Reframing, Planning, Humor, Acceptance, Religion, and Self-Blame. Based on your answers to its 28 items, you'll get a breakdown across its 14 component areas as well as an overall picture, showing where the pattern is strongest for you. Taking it gives you a clearer picture of a coping pattern or tendency you may only have sensed vaguely before.

Instrument Specifications

Target Population

Teachers, Educators & Faculty

Administration Format

Self-Administered

Intended Domain / Purpose

Research & Empirical Study

Recommended Age Bracket

Adults (18+ yrs)

Duration & Pacing

12 Minutes (Self-Paced)

Access License

Open Creative Commons

Scientific Documentation & Psychometric Rigor

Developer / Author

Carver, C. S.

Development Year

1997

Theoretical Construct & Framework Short form of the COPE Inventory, measuring a broad range of distinct coping strategies people use under stress.

Internal Consistency & Reliability

Original and subsequent studies report acceptable internal consistency for most of its brief 2-item subscales.

Construct & Criterion Validity

Derived from and validated against the full-length COPE Inventory; extensively used across health and clinical psychology research.

Academic Citations

Carver, C. S. (1997). You want to measure coping but your protocol's too long: Consider the Brief COPE. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 4(1), 92-100.

Academic Citation & Instrument Provenance

When referencing this instrument in research, academic theses, or clinical institutional audits, please cite the original author publication:

License: CC BY 4.0. Citation: Carver, C. S. (1997). "Consider the Brief COPE" when protocol length is problematic. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 4(1), 92–100.

Governance, Boundaries & Ethical Use

Construct Boundaries & Interpretive Limitations

Imported from the OpenScales open item-bank project. This specific digital implementation has not been independently clinically validated by PsiQ — scores are for self-reflection, research, and educational purposes only. Each subscale is reported individually; there is no composite score, matching the original instrument.

License: CC BY 4.0. Citation: Carver, C. S. (1997). "Consider the Brief COPE" when protocol length is problematic. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 4(1), 92–100.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Brief COPE Inventory?

28-item self-report measure of coping strategies across 14 subscales (2 items each): Self-Distraction, Active Coping, Denial, Substance Use, Emotional Support, Instrumental Support, Behavioral Disengagement, Venting, Positive Reframing, Planning, Humor, Acceptance, Religion, and Self-Blame.

How long does the Brief COPE Inventory take?

It takes about 12 minutes to answer all 28 questions. You can go at your own pace.

Is this test free, and is it available in Hindi?

Yes, it is free with a PsiQ account. The questions and answer options are available in English, Hindi and Hinglish.

Can this test diagnose a condition?

No. Online self-report scales are for self-reflection, education and research, not diagnosis. If you are worried about your mental health, please speak to a qualified mental-health professional.