Week 4: Coping Strategies Flashcards
What is coping?
Coping refers to our efforts to deal with demands that we perceive as taxing or overwhelming.
What are the two main types of coping?
The two main types of coping are problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping.
What is problem-focused coping?
Problem-focused coping is a response aimed at reducing, modifying, or eliminating the source of stress.
Give an example of problem-focused coping.
If you get a poor grade and appraise this as a threat, you might start studying harder.
What is emotion-focused coping?
Emotion-focused coping is a response aimed at reducing the emotional distress caused by the stressor.
What strategies are involved in emotion-focused coping?
Strategies include reappraising a stressor, prayer, denial, wishful thinking, fantasizing, humor, relaxation, drugs, alcohol, and journaling.
Give an example of emotion-focused coping.
A person who loses their job may view it as a challenge or an opportunity to find a better job.
Can ignoring a stressor be an effective coping strategy?
Yes, ignoring a stressor can be an effective form of emotion-focused coping.
What is the most effective stress management strategy?
A combination of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping is the most effective stress management strategy.
