A COSMIN systematic review of the psychometric properties of coping skills outcome measures

Johnson, Rachel, Hobson, Christopher and Samuel, Victoria 2026. A COSMIN systematic review of the psychometric properties of coping skills outcome measures. Personality and Individual Differences 254 , 113643. 10.1016/j.paid.2026.113643

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Abstract

This study aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties of brief general coping outcome measures. Systematic searches across five databases identified 32 studies evaluating 12 measures using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology. Quality of evidence was graded using the modified GRADE approach. Methodological quality ranged from ‘inadequate’ to ‘very good’ depending on the psychometric property. Most measures showed poor content validity due to limited involvement of target populations. The Cultural Mix Coping Inventory (CMCI) showed promising results, but requires further validation. The Brief COPE, the most studied measure, had inconsistent evidence across key psychometric properties. Across all measures, evidence for cross-cultural validity, reliability, and criterion validity was limited. Findings suggest researchers and clinicians should exercise caution when selecting and interpreting coping measures. Future research should prioritise rigorous evaluation and involve target populations to improve content validity and ensure measures are fit for purpose.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Psychology Schools > Biosciences
Publisher:	Elsevier BV
ISSN:	0191-8869
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	17 April 2026
Date of Acceptance:	6 January 2026
Last Modified:	15 May 2026 21:17
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186459

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