Ch 4 & 5 Flashcards
(99 cards)
Coping
any response to stress that aims to reduce it, whether adaptive or maladaptive; the process by which people try to manage the perceived discrepancy between the appraised demands and resources in a stressful situation
How is coping a process?
it is a dynamic series of appraisals and reappraisals that adjust to shifts in person-environment relationships
2 main functions of coping
(1) alter the problem causing the stress or (2) regulate the emotional response to the problem
6 types of coping
problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, relationship-focused coping, meaning-focused coping, approach coping, avoidance coping
Problem-focused coping
direct efforts to solve the problem by either changing the situation (reducing the demands of a stressful situation) or changing/improving oneself (expanding one’s resources)
Emotion-focused coping
efforts to manage emotions generated by the stressful situation e.g. denial, escape-avoidance, distancing, wishful thinking, suppression, expression, positive reappraisal etc.
When do people tend to use emotion-focused coping?
when they believe they can do little to change stressful conditions and their resources inadequate to meet the demands of the stressor
Relationship-focused coping
efforts to maintain and manage social relationships during stressful periods e.g. emphatic responding, perspective taking, support seeking and provision, compromise etc.
Dyadic coping
type of relationship-focused coping wherein partners work together to recognize their interdependence in dealing with a stressor
Benefits of emotional expression vs emotional processing
high levels of emotional expression are associated with improved self-perceived health, increased vigor, fewer medical visits, and decreased distress; high levels of emotional processing are linked to increased distress (due to rumination)
Maladaptive examples of relationship-focused coping
interpersonal withdrawal or isolation, and confrontation
Demand-withdrawal pattern of marital interaction
when one partner engages in withdrawal and the other engages in confrontation at the same time
Which personality traits are associated with adaptive and successful coping?
high extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness
Emphatic responding
taking the other person’s perspective
Meaning-focused coping
efforts to manage the meaning of an event or situation; similar to positive reappraisal
Folkman’s definition of meaning-focused coping
drawing on beliefs, values, and existential goals to motivate and sustain coping and well-being in difficult times
Avoidance coping
attempts to distance oneself from the problem and not think about it; can be done cognitively or behaviorally (e.g. substance use)
Approach coping
attempts to actively deal with the problem or manage the tension, especially when controllable; can be done cognitively or behaviorally
Possible benefits of approach coping
appropriate action, release of emotions, assimilation or processing of trauma, stress reduction
Possible costs of approach coping
increased distress, non-productive worry and rumination
Possible benefits of avoidance coping
short-term stress reduction, allows for dosing or processing done in increments, increased hope and courage
Possible costs of avoidance coping
increased distress, interference with action, emotional numbness, disruptive behaviors
What is the best indicator of effective coping?
the outcome (typically psychological outcomes and relationship functioning)
Proactive coping
efforts taken that prevent or minimize stress, typically using problem-focused methods