Questions and Answers
What are coping strategies?
Coping strategies are the processes of spending conscious effort and energy to solve personal and interpersonal problems, especially in the case of stress, to master, minimize, or tolerate stress.
What are the two main types of coping strategies?
What is emotion-focused coping?
Emotion-focused coping changes a person's emotional response to a stressor and involves efforts to reduce negative emotions associated with stress.
Which of the following are examples of emotion-focused coping strategies? (Select all that apply)
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What is problem-focused coping?
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What is the first step in problem-focused coping strategies?
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What can be a negative aspect of drug therapy for coping with stress?
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What is Stress Inoculation Therapy (SIT)?
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Which of the following phases is included in Stress Inoculation Therapy?
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What type of support is considered instrumental support?
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How can social support affect health during stressful times?
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What hormone is associated with reducing stress through positive interaction?
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What did Kamarck et al. (1990) demonstrate regarding friendship and stress?
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Study Notes
Coping Strategies Overview
- Coping strategies involve conscious efforts to manage personal and interpersonal problems, especially stress.
- The goal is to minimize or tolerate stressors encountered in daily life.
- Choice of coping strategy is influenced by personality traits, social context, and the nature of the stressor.
Types of Coping Strategies
- Coping strategies can be classified as emotion-focused or problem-focused, as proposed by Lazarus and Folkman in 1984.
- Emotion-focused coping addresses emotional responses to stressors, while problem-focused coping directly tackles the stressor itself.
Emotion-Focused Coping
- Aimed at altering emotional reactions rather than addressing the source of stress.
- Strategies include venting, distraction, seeking support, physical activity, biological methods (like drug therapy), and meditation.
- Often adopted when individuals feel powerless to change the stressor, leading to efforts to manage feelings instead.
Problem-Focused Coping
- Involves actively addressing the source of stress through plans or seeking help.
- Begins with identifying the specific problem, followed by implementing solution-oriented strategies.
- Includes planning, active coping, and seeking instrumental support from mentors or supervisors.
Drug Therapy
- Involves medications that alter neurotransmitter activity to manage stress.
- Anti-anxiety drugs slow the central nervous system to alleviate symptoms.
- Common categories include benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium) and beta-blockers, each with specific mechanisms and side effects.
Critiques of Drug Therapy
- Provides temporary relief without addressing underlying issues.
- Potential severe side effects, including dependency and cognitive impairment, particularly with benzodiazepines.
Stress Inoculation Therapy (SIT)
- A specialized cognitive-behavioral therapy aimed at preparing individuals for future stress through cognitive restructuring.
- Phases include conceptualization, skills acquisition, and application, helping individuals develop coping statements and confront real-life stressors.
- Successful in mitigating acute stress and enhancing coping mechanisms over time.
Social Support
- Essential in coping with stress, involving emotional (confidant) and instrumental support (tangible help).
- Studies indicate that strong social support correlates with reduced stress levels and improved health outcomes.
Importance of Oxytocin
- Known as the "love hormone," plays a role in bonding and reducing cortisol (the stress hormone).
- Released during physical interaction like hugging, contributing to feelings of connection and reduced stress.
Research Findings
- Studies demonstrate that emotional and instrumental support can significantly impact stress management and overall health.
- Individuals exposed to cold viruses showed that those with higher levels of social support experienced milder symptoms.
Notable Studies
- Kamarck et al. (1990) highlighted the stress-reducing effects of companionship during challenging tasks.
- Brown and Harris (1978) found that social isolation correlates with higher rates of psychological issues following stressful events.
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Description
Explore various coping strategies through these flashcards designed to enhance your understanding of how individuals manage stress and personal challenges. Each card highlights key concepts and definitions related to effective coping methods. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their mental health and coping skills.
