Coping

Question 1

What is “coping”?

Answer 1

The sum of COGNITIVE and BEHAVIOURAL efforts (which are constantly changing) to HANDLE PARTICULAR DEMANDS (whether internal or external) that are viewed as TAXING/DEMANDING.

Question 2

Describe the transactional model of stress.

Answer 2

Potential stressor –> primary appraisal (is this a threat?) –> secondary appraisal (do I have the skills to cope?) –> if no = stress

Question 3

What are the two factors that must be considered in coping with the social and psychological impact of illness?

Answer 3

Adjustment to new identity and socioeconomic impact of illness.

Question 4

What is the difference between emotion and problem focussed coping?

Answer 4

Emotion focussed coping seeks to change the emotion behind the issue through behavioural or cognitive approaches, while problem focussed coping seeks to change the problem itself, eg by reducing demands of situation or finding resources to deal with it.

Question 5

Give three ways to aid coping.

Answer 5

social support, increase personal control (pain management, involve patients more), reducing ambiguity and uncertainty

Question 6

Give some outcomes of successful coping.

Answer 6

Tolerating -ve events, maintaining +ve self-image and emotional equilibrium, continuing satisfying relationships, reducing threats from future