Coping Styles: Avoidant vs Approach

Coping Style

• Propensity to manage stressful events varies among individuals.
• Two main coping styles:
  • Avoidant coping style: Involves avoiding the threat rather than confronting it.
  • Approach coping style: Involves gathering information or taking direct action to address the threat.

Example Scenario

• James, a PTSD survivor from a terrorist attack, demonstrates approach coping by actively seeking information, connecting with survivors, and organizing support.

Types of Coping Mechanisms

• Problem-focused coping: Involves taking constructive actions to improve stressful conditions.
• Emotion-focused coping: Involves managing emotional responses to stress rather than addressing the issue itself.

External Resources for Coping

• Factors that enhance coping include:
  • Availability of time and money
  • Level of education and job stability
  • Support from friends and family
  • Quality of life and absence of additional stressors
  • Socioeconomic status (SES)

Stages in Collective Coping with Tragedy

• Collective coping often follows three stages:
  • Emergency Stage
  • Inhibition Stage
  • Adaptation Stage

John Henryism

• Characterized by sustained, active coping with psychosocial stressors, notably prevalent in African American communities.
• Individuals with John Henryism may experience prolonged symptoms in attempts to manage health crises.

Coping Outcomes

• Effective coping leads to:
  • Reduction or elimination of stressors
  • Adaptation to negative situations
  • Preservation of positive self-image and emotional balance
  • Maintenance of strong relationships
  • Enhanced recovery from illnesses
  • Management of physiological stress responses

Mindfulness and Stress Management

• Mindfulness meditation encourages present-moment awareness and acceptance, aiding stress management.
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): Programs designed to help regulate stress responses.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on acceptance of life's challenges while pursuing meaningful goals, enhancing psychological flexibility and quality of life.

Benefits of Expressive Writing

• Expressive writing can:
  • Reduce psychological and physiological stress.
  • Aid in organizing thoughts and finding personal meaning.
  • Support emotional clarification and affirmation of personal values.

Self-Affirmation

• Involves improving self-worth, which can decrease stress reactions and physiological distress in response to health concerns.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

• Technique used to progressively relax all muscle groups, aiding in the reduction of tension and stress.