Measuring dyadic coping: The factorial structure of Bodenmann's Dyadic Coping Questionnaire in an Italian sample

The aim of the present study was to analyze the factorial structure of the Dyadic Coping Questionnaire (FDCT-N) (Bodenmann, 1997, 2000) in an Italian sample. The FDCT-N measures partners’ tendency to engage in dyadic coping, that is the process through which partners cope together, as a couple, with daily stressors. It comprises partners’ stress communication, positive and negative coping responses, and common dyadic coping. Positive and negative dyadic coping items are measured both as perceptions of one’s own coping styles and as perceptions of the partner’s styles. The sample was composed of 389 heterosexual couples (N = 778 participants) living in the North of Italy. The factorial structure was examined through a confirmatory factor analysis, which showed a good overall fit for a five-factor model (stress communication; emotion-focused dyadic coping; problem-focused dyadic coping; delegated dyadic coping; and negative dyadic coping) for self-perceptions and perceptions of the other and a three-factor model (problem-focused; seeking closeness; and relaxation) for common dyadic coping.