Which coping style involves addressing the problem causing the stress?

Which coping style involves addressing the problem causing the stress?

• A. Problem-focused coping
• B. Emotion-focused coping
• C. Avoidant coping
• D. Meaning-focused coping

Answer: (A)

When a stressor can be addressed directly, you use problem-focused coping. This approach targets the source of the stress by taking practical steps to reduce or remove the difficulty—things like planning, gathering information, generating solutions, or changing the situation (for example, restructuring tasks, negotiating deadlines, or seeking concrete help). By tackling the problem itself, the person aims to lessen the external pressure. In contrast, emotion-focused coping centers on managing the feelings that come with stress, avoidant coping involves dodging the issue, and meaning-focused coping reframes the situation to find value or growth rather than directly solving the problem.

When a stressor can be addressed directly, you use problem-focused coping. This approach targets the source of the stress by taking practical steps to reduce or remove the difficulty—things like planning, gathering information, generating solutions, or changing the situation (for example, restructuring tasks, negotiating deadlines, or seeking concrete help). By tackling the problem itself, the person aims to lessen the external pressure. In contrast, emotion-focused coping centers on managing the feelings that come with stress, avoidant coping involves dodging the issue, and meaning-focused coping reframes the situation to find value or growth rather than directly solving the problem.