METHODS OF COPING

coping

the process of constantly changing cognitive and behavioural efforts to manage specific internal/external stressors that are appraised as exceeding the resources of the person

problem focused coping strategies

involve efforts to manage or change the stressor which is the cause of stress

examples of problem focused strategies:

• reappraising the stressor by examining it from new perspectives

• focusing on changing only what is changeable

• redefining the stressor in a way that is more managable

when are problem focused strategies used?

• when the person believes they have some control over the stressor and think they can change the circumstances or at least change themselves to more capably

• deal directly with the stressor to reduce/eliminate it

emotion focused coping strategies

• involve efforts to deal with the emotional response to the stressor

• these strategies are therefore usually directed towards decreasing the negative feelings in a stress response

when are emotion focused coping strategies used?

when a person believes they have little or no control over a situation and cannot change their circumstances

what is the effect of emotion focused strategies?

• can reduce or postpone stress to help the person get by

• do not address the cause of the stressor

examples of emotion focused coping strategies

• denial

• distancing

• acceptance

• distractions

maladaptive coping strategies

• are unhealthy and destructive ways of dealing with stress

• will worsen effects of stress

• does not address the root cause of stress

examples of maladaptive coping strategies

• avoidance, procrastination, unhealthy diet

adaptive coping strategies

• are healthy and constructive ways to cope with stress by managing stressors and improving the person’s overall wellbeing

examples of adaptive coping strategies

• practicing self care

• eating well

• getting good sleep

• regular exercise

• practicing mindfulness

• seeking support through talking to trusted people