Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Coping refers to the strategies and techniques that individuals use to manage and adapt to stressors or challenging situations they encounter in their lives. It involves the efforts made to reduce, tolerate, or eliminate stress.
Problem-focused coping refers to strategies that aim to directly address and solve the underlying causes of stress. This includes taking action, seeking information, or making plans to change the stressful situation.
Emotion-Focused Coping: Emotion-focused coping involves managing one's emotional response to stressors rather than directly addressing the stressor itself. This may include seeking social support, engaging in relaxation techniques, or reframing negative thoughts.
Avoidant Coping: Avoidant coping refers to strategies used by individuals who try to avoid or escape from stressful situations altogether. This may involve denial, withdrawal, or engaging in distracting activities as a means of temporarily avoiding stressors.