Coping Styles: Avoidant vs Approach

Study Notes

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.

Description

Learn about coping styles, specifically avoidant and approach coping styles, which are different ways individuals deal with stressful events. Understand the distinction between avoidant coping (coping by avoidance) and approach coping (coping by taking action). Test your knowledge with an iClicker question on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis.