Psychology Flashcards
Define ‘coping’
Coping is constantly changing cognitive and behavioural efforts to manage specific external and/or internal demands that are appraised as taxing or exceeding resources (Lazarus & Folkman)
Name the 2 most common classification that coping strategies can be classified into
- Emotional-focused coping
- Problem-focused coping
Describe emotion-focused coping (strategies)
Coping strategies that are aimed at modifying response by regulating the emotional distress caused by the stressor or potential stressor
Describe problem-solving coping (strategies)
Coping strategies that attempt to alleviate or eliminate stressful situations through trying to take control
Provide 8 examples of specific coping strategies
- Problem-solving
- Support seeking
- Escape-avoidance
- Distraction
- Cognitive
- Rumination
- Helplessness
- Social withdrawal
- Information seeking
- Negotiation
- Opposition
- Delegation
Discuss which is best, problem-focused coping or emotion-focused coping?
It depends on the individual’s personality and the stressful situation. Everyone has the potential to use both
Problem focused coping is used in controllable situations
Emotion focused coping is used when there is no/little control
Discuss which is best, problem-focused coping or emotion-focused coping?
- It depends on the individual’s personality and the stressful situation. Everyone has the potential to use both
- Problem focused coping is used in controllable situations
- Emotion focused coping is used when there is no/little control
- A range of different of different coping strategies are needed to meet challenges at different times
- Coping is a process that changes over time
Discuss emotion-focused and problem-focused coping in the acute phase
- Emotion-focused is often unavoidable (only option) and is helpful in the short time
- Effective use of emotion-focused may later make problem-focused coping more controlled and managed
Discuss emotion-focused and problem-focused coping in the chronic phase
- Long term emotion-focused coping is problematic
- Problem-focused coping is an important part of on-going management of a condition and self-care
- Early problem-focused coping may need to be “cognitive problem-faced” = information seeking and planning
- Later opportunities for “behavioural problem-focused” coping = active management of illness
Name the 3 influences on coping and provide examples
Illness-related factors:
- E.g., level of threat to life/functioning, obviousness, treatment regimens, side effects
Background/personal factors
- E.g., personality, socio-demographics, timing in life knowledge, beliefs, motivation, emotion, experience, education
Physical/environmental factors
- E.g., hospital/home environment, social support, finance, resource availability, educational opportunities
Describe the factors that can facilitate coping and adjustment in chronic childhood illness
- A flexible, cohesive and supportive family with open and clear communication
- Parental coping style is adaptive
- General support systems
- Pre-illness personality and functioning of the child
- Understanding of disease
Describe the role of positive social support in coping
Positive social support provides emotional and practical assistance to enhance effective coping and adjustment
Discuss the Doctors role in supporting effective coping and ongoing disease management
- Identify challenges via specific focused questions or diary
- Minimise appraised challenges, educate and address misconception
- Introduce patients to idea of coping, that are actively managing challenges and have a degree of control
- Identify coping strategy, type of coping (emotion vs. problem), whether appropriate in temporal context
- Steer emotion or problem-focussed coping in positive direction, provide/suggest opportunities for alternative coping
- Ensure patients equipped to adopt necessary coping, address barriers, enhance facilitators (referral?)
- Assess and enhance social support
Patients may be referred to programmes for further improved coping. Provide examples of this
Exercise - to improve functioning, reduce anxiety about exertion
Education - on disease, treatment, self-care, lifestyle changes
Social support via group classes, involvement of carers
Stress management, relaxation training
Psychological techniques to facilitate behaviour change e.g., enhancing self-efficacy, addressing beliefs, goal-setting
Psychological assessment and treatment for emotional problems
