DEATH COPING STYLES AND GENDER DIFFERENCES

The aim of the study was to analyze the relationships between different styles and coping strategies and the death coping competency, including the possibility of gender differences. In addition psychometric characteristics of the abbreviated COPE of Carver (1997) were analysed. They participated 216 people attending a Grief Workshop, 81% (175) women, age average 49 years (SD = 14,59). Coping styles were measured (questionnaire COPE abbreviated; Carver, 1997) and death coping competency (DC) (Copingwith Death Scale; Bugen, 1981). Exploratory factor analyses were performed on both questionnaires, mean differences analysis and correlations.A model of nine first order and two second order factore for COPE questionnaire was adjusted; active (Ac) and avoidant (Av) coping. Women obtained significantly higher mean in Av (1.65 vs 1.47) and minor in DC (48,42 vs 54,05). Women direct association between DC and Ac (r =, 241) and between Ac and Av (r =, 284) was obtained. Both sexes, direct association between DC and Acceptance (r =, 561 and r 378; p <, 001). The men, inverse correlation (r =-, 536; p <, 001) between Av and Acceptance. A COPE scale structure for Spanish population was validated. Shown that women use a greater repertoire of coping strategies and that, in them, combined both styles of coping, active and avoiding use is at odds, however in men using the avoidant style, seems to prevent strategies active as acceptance.