Evaluation of the psychological well-being and coping strategies in a population of ex asbestos exposed on its work place

The aim of the current study was mainly to asses the coping strategies used by a sample of subjects (n = 100) and its psychological well-being. The INAIL had recognized these subjects in the past time had been massively exposed to asbestos in their work place. An anonymous self-report questionnaire, made up of (a) an explorative section, (b) the Carver's COPE, (c) the Carol Ryff's Psychological Wellbeing Scales (PWBS), has been used. Both tests parametric (Chi Square and t Student analysis) and not parametric (Mann-Whitney Test) were carried out in order to assure strength results. The survey data indicated that there were an acknowledge about the asbestos-related diseases' action and a general use of "avoidance" coping strategies. Contrary to expectation concerning the PWBS, there was a statistically significant higher score in the "exposed group" than the "control group" (n = 50) as regards the "Positive Relations with Others" and the "Personal Growth" scales. Different variables may concur to explain the results of this study.