In this paper the results of a meta-analytic review about the eficacy of coping skills on clinical and health problems are presented. A total of 24 independent empirical studies were found which met the selection criteria from 1980 to 1997. The effect size index chosen to summarise the results of the studies was the standardised mean difference, obtaining an average value of d+ = 1.431. The results showed statistically significant differences among applying self-control techniques, stress inoculation, and other techniques for managing anxiety, self-control being the most effective (d+= 1.971). The influence of moderator variables such as age, gender; type of problem, design quality; etc., was also analysed. Finally, theoretical and clinical implications of the results are discussed.In this paper the results of a meta-analytic review about the eficacy of coping skills on clinical and health problems are presented. A total of 24 independent empirical studies were found which met the selection criteria from 1980 to 1997. The effect size index chosen to summarise the results of the studies was the standardised mean difference, obtaining an average value of d+ = 1.431. The results showed statistically significant differences among applying self-control techniques, stress inoculation, and other techniques for managing anxiety, self-control being the most effective (d+= 1.971). The influence of moderator variables such as age, gender; type of problem, design quality; etc., was also analysed. Finally, theoretical and clinical implications of the results are discussed.En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de un estudio meta-analítico sobre la eficacia de las habilidades de afrontamiento en problemas clinicos y de salud en España. Se localizaron un total de 24 estudios primarios independientes durante el periodo 1980-1997 que cumplían con los criterios de selección. El índice del tamaño del efecto elegido para resumir los resultados de los estudios fue la diferencia media tipificada, alcanzando una media de d+ = 1.431. Los resultados revelaron diferencias estadisticamente significativas entre la aplicación de las técnicas de autocontrol, la inoculación al estrés y otras técrticas para el manejo de la ansiedad, alcanzando los mayores tamaños del efecto las estrategias de autocontrol (d+ = 1.971). Se analizó la influencia de otras variables moderadoras de los resultados, tales como la edad, el género, el tipo de problema, la calidad del diseño, etc. Finalmente, se presentan las implicaciones clinicas y teóricas de los resultados
