Shamamalam
Coping and coping strategies
Most contemporary views of stress and coping are inspired by the work of Lazarus and Folkman (1975)
Their stress model, called the Transactional model of stress –based on assumption that stress involves a transaction between individual and the external world.
Transactional model of stress introduced the importance of psychological factors in dealing in stress.
Folkman and Lazarus (1988) suggested two main coping strategies
The first one is problem-focused coping, which is dealing with the stressor itself. The purpose is to change the problematic situation for example, quitting an impossible job or leaving an abusive partner. Problem focused coping may result in the reduction of unpleasant emotions.
The second strategy is called emotion-focused coping. The purpose is to handle the emotional aspects of stress rather than changing the problematic situation, for ex. Going to the movie, relaxation exercises, seeking social support, or taking drugs to alleviate tension. Emotion-focused coping is more likely in cases when people feel that they have little control over the stressor. (ex. In case of the death of a loved one)
Emotion focused coping drowning your sorrows in alcohol, can be effective in the short term, and may turn to be ineffective in the long run, since people may develop an addiction.
This kind of emotion focused coping is sometimes called avoidance coping, b/c the aim of it is to avoid the negative feelings associated with the stressor.
Proactive coping- to avoid a stressful experience. Studying hard for an exam in order to avoid the stress of failing .
If people think can manage stress the stress is less intensive, and of shorter duration. Yoga classes, being with friends can reduce stress
Social support as a coping strategy
Having friends is important to mental well being.
A longitudinal study of ageing initiated in 1992 found that regular personal and phone contact with friends and family increases life
Most contemporary views of stress and coping are inspired by the work of Lazarus and Folkman (1975)
Their stress model, called the Transactional model of stress –based on assumption that stress involves a transaction between individual and the external world.
Transactional model of stress introduced the importance of psychological factors in dealing in stress.
Folkman and Lazarus (1988) suggested two main coping strategies
The first one is problem-focused coping, which is dealing with the stressor itself. The purpose is to change the problematic situation for example, quitting an impossible job or leaving an abusive partner. Problem focused coping may result in the reduction of unpleasant emotions.
The second strategy is called emotion-focused coping. The purpose is to handle the emotional aspects of stress rather than changing the problematic situation, for ex. Going to the movie, relaxation exercises, seeking social support, or taking drugs to alleviate tension. Emotion-focused coping is more likely in cases when people feel that they have little control over the stressor. (ex. In case of the death of a loved one)
Emotion focused coping drowning your sorrows in alcohol, can be effective in the short term, and may turn to be ineffective in the long run, since people may develop an addiction.
This kind of emotion focused coping is sometimes called avoidance coping, b/c the aim of it is to avoid the negative feelings associated with the stressor.
Proactive coping- to avoid a stressful experience. Studying hard for an exam in order to avoid the stress of failing .
If people think can manage stress the stress is less intensive, and of shorter duration. Yoga classes, being with friends can reduce stress
Social support as a coping strategy
Having friends is important to mental well being.
A longitudinal study of ageing initiated in 1992 found that regular personal and phone contact with friends and family increases life