Coping with Stress
Situation May remain stable or change over time Appraise situation Assess Resources, environmental constraints Choose Coping strategy Implement strategy Evaluate results Maintain Strategy didn’t work Reappraise Get new strageby It works!
Problem focused ◦ Dealing with the stressor itself Quitting an impossible job Doing homework early Leaving abusive partner Emotion focused (handle the emotions) Go to movies, drinking, social support Relaxation exercises
Emotion focused coping ◦ Avoidance (drowning in your sorrows) ◦ Proactive coping (studying for an exam) Research (Ursin & ERison) found that people benefit positively and experience lower levels of stress if they actively do things to reduce stress
Emotional – warmth and understanding Informational – giving ideas or help Practical –tangible help (babysitting, offering $$$)
Men: fight or flight from testosterone Women: tend and be friend from hormone oxytocin
Western cultures – emphasis on independence Eastern cultures – more interdependent
Self-help groups Internet based groups is rising
Meditation – teaches to face stress “mindfully,” which means to step back form thoughts and feelings Body Scan Yoga Sitting Meditation