This article describes a study designed to examine the coping behaviors, personality, and mood characteristics of 150 nonhospitalized adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Self‐report questionnaires and interviews were used to collect the data. Coping responses were measured with the Jalowiec Coping Scale. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to ascertain other characteristics. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), and descriptive statistics. IBD patients scored significantly higher on using problem‐oriented coping patterns than on using affective‐oriented methods. The results suggest that coping patterns in IBD patients are remarkably effective in contributing to lifestyle satisfaction. It can be inferred that adaptive efforts of IBD patients can be enhanced if health professionals consider coping patterns in the assessment process and if they actively support a sense of control in these pat