The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of physiologic status, coping, and hardiness to exercise ability and functional status in 96 adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exercise ability was measured by the distance walked in 12 minutes (12MD) and functional status by the Pulmonary Functional Status Scale (PFSS). The mean FEV1 and FVC were 1.61 +/- .81 and 3.08 +/- .95 L, respectively. The commitment (r = -.18) and challenge (r = -.21) components of hardiness were significantly correlated with the 12MD. The commitment component of hardiness was significantly correlated with functional status (r = -.17). Control was not a significant variable. Physiological status, problem-solving coping, and challenge were the best predictors of exercise ability (R2 = .26). Physiological status and commitment were the best predictors of functional status (R2 = .149).