This exploratory study examined the coping behaviors of 17 adolescents with cystic fibrosis in response to the stresses encountered in managing a debilitating chronic illness. Interviews identified stresses related to illness management education and age-specific developmental tasks. The self-report instrument Adolescent-Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (A-COPE) reported low-level activity as the most helpful and professional support as the least helpful coping behavior for managing the illness.