Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire

The Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), developed by Xie Yaning and Zhang Yukun in 1995, was adapted from international coping measures for Chinese populations. Its 20 items cover positive and negative coping. It is used to assess coping patterns under stress, identify unhelpful patterns, provide an indicator of mental health, and evaluate psychological interventions. Research links coping styles closely to mental health: higher positive coping scores are associated with fewer psychological problems, while higher negative coping scores are associated with more symptoms.

Positive coping (items 1–12) means active, constructive responses to stress, such as seeking support, changing one's perspective, solving problems, and developing interests. These strategies can ease tension, resolve problems, and protect mental health. Negative coping (items 13–20) means more passive responses such as avoidance, fantasy, and dependence, including trying to forget, relying on others, accepting the situation, or comforting oneself. These may provide temporary relief but can hinder problem-solving and increase psychological risk when relied on over time. The main distinction is active engagement and change versus avoidance and passive acceptance. A healthy pattern emphasizes positive coping with limited use of negative coping.

The SCSQ uses a 4-point scale (0–3): 0 = Never use, 1 = Rarely use, 2 = Sometimes use, 3 = Often use. Positive coping is the mean of items 1–12; negative coping is the mean of items 13–20. The coping tendency score equals the positive coping Z score minus the negative coping Z score. Adult norms are a mean of 1.78 (SD 0.52) for positive coping and 1.59 (SD 0.66) for negative coping. A tendency score >0 indicates mainly positive coping, while <0 indicates mainly negative coping. Higher positive and lower negative coping scores are associated with better mental health. If negative coping is well above the norm (>2.25), consider learning more effective strategies.

The SCSQ is intended for adolescents and adults with at least a junior secondary education. It is particularly useful for counseling clients needing coping assessment, stress management training, mental health screening, and evaluation of coping-skills interventions. It is widely used among students, working adults, and patient populations. It measures general coping tendencies rather than responses to a specific stressor. Current psychological state can affect results, so taking it when emotionally stable is recommended. Coping styles can improve through learning and training.

To build coping skills: ① Learn problem-solving: define the problem, make a plan, compare options, act, and adjust. ② Practice cognitive restructuring: consider different perspectives, find constructive meaning, and revise unrealistic beliefs. ③ Build social support: ask for help, share concerns, and accept support. ④ Develop emotion regulation through mindfulness, relaxation, and exercise. ⑤ Cultivate hobbies that provide constructive engagement and a sense of achievement. To reduce negative coping, recognize situations and thoughts that trigger it, replace it with positive strategies, avoid excessive reliance on avoidance or fantasy, and consider stress management training or counseling if needed. Coping skills can be learned and changed.

Consider professional support if: ① Negative coping is well above the norm (mean >2.25) and positive coping is low (mean <1.26). ② The coping tendency score is clearly negative (<−1.0), suggesting heavy reliance on negative coping. ③ Persistent unhelpful strategies, such as heavy drinking or self-harm, impair daily functioning. ④ You struggle to cope with major stressors such as loss or trauma. ⑤ You have significant anxiety, depression, or other symptoms. Counseling can help identify and change unhelpful patterns, teach effective skills, address stressors and emotional distress, and build resilience. The SCSQ is an assessment tool, not a substitute for diagnosis. Seeking help is itself a form of positive coping.