Coping strategies, perceived stress and psychological well-being in individuals with primary headache

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between coping strategies, subjective well-being and stress in people with primary headache, i.e., headache with no organically-based origin. In total, 150 adult persons participated-135 women and 15 men-diagnosed with primary headache and headache episodes in the last six months. The measurement instruments used were the Diener Life Satisfaction Scale, the Brief Cope Coping Strategies Scale, the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, two questions on pain intensity and frequency, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. In general, it was found that subjective well-being is positively related to planning and negatively to substance use and frequency of pain; while perceived stress is positively associated with denying the reality of the stressful event, blaming oneself for the situation that occurred and the frequency of pain, and negatively with accepting the stressful situation. Also, greater perceived stress was observed in users of public health care than in those who are seen in the private system. This study allows the identification of strategies that should be enhanced or modified with the help of health personnel to improve the quality of life of people with primary headache.