Which coping strategy involves directly addressing the stressor to reduce its impact?

Which coping strategy involves directly addressing the stressor to reduce its impact?

• A. Emotion-focused Coping
• B. Problem-focused Coping
• C. Escape Coping
• D. Avoidant Coping

Answer: (B)

Directly addressing the stressor to reduce its impact is problem-focused coping. This approach targets the source of the stress or its consequences by taking concrete actions—solving the problem, planning, gathering information, changing the environment, or seeking instrumental help. It’s most effective when you have some control over the situation or believe it’s possible to alter what’s causing the stress. In contrast, emotion-focused coping aims to manage the emotional distress rather than the problem itself, escape coping involves leaving or avoiding the situation, and avoidant coping ignores the stressor.

Directly addressing the stressor to reduce its impact is problem-focused coping. This approach targets the source of the stress or its consequences by taking concrete actions—solving the problem, planning, gathering information, changing the environment, or seeking instrumental help. It’s most effective when you have some control over the situation or believe it’s possible to alter what’s causing the stress. In contrast, emotion-focused coping aims to manage the emotional distress rather than the problem itself, escape coping involves leaving or avoiding the situation, and avoidant coping ignores the stressor.