Introduction

In recent years, there has been research interest in coping flexibility, which can bring about a better understanding of the functioning of alcohol dependent persons. Flexibility in coping is the ability to change cognitive assessment of coping and strategy selection with regard to the situational context. A flexible person looks for new ways of dealing with a stressful situation, abandons current behavioural patterns for others, and adapts his behaviour to environmental stimuli. This attitude as well as personal resources are conducive to building both physical and mental health.

Material and methods

The study included 115 alcohol dependent persons (79 men, 36 women) of 30-74 years of age (M = 44.90; SD = 14.34). Four questionnaires were used in the study: the Flexibility in Coping with Stress Questionnaire (FCSQ-14), the Spirituality Index of Well-Being, the Hope for Success Questionnaire and Resiliency Scale.

Results

The obtained results indicate there is a positive, statistically significant relationship between flexibility in coping with stress and personal resources in the studied group. The highest correlation occurs between flexibility in coping with stress and hope with its dimensions.

Discussion

The results of studies carried out so far indicate that alcohol dependent persons display deficits in effective coping with stress, which makes it difficult to bear emotional tension, difficulties in everyday life and situations causing a sense of threat. A similar tendency was detected in our respondents’ group.

Conclusions

Low flexibility in coping can hinder dependent persons adaptive functioning and thus recovery. It seems important to strengthen flexibility in coping with stress and personal resources in the therapy process.