Ways of Coping With Stress

Effective Problem Solving

There are many ways of coping with stress and problem solving is one of them.

Problem Solving: The problem is the “stressor”. And knowing how to solve a problem is having the knowledge and resources to “cope” with the stressor to bring about a positive consequence.

According to Lazarus and Folkman (1984) coping is how you think and deal with stressors. Coping is your response to situations.

Problem solving is your response to the situation to bring about a desired result.

Ways of coping with stress: You go through different stages as you cope with a situation or try to problem solve to resolve.

Stage #1 First you appraise the situation with your own knowledge about the situation and whether you are feeling threatened. If you do not feel threatened then no action is taken. If you consider the situation to be something you have to deal with then you move into the second stage.

Stage #2 In the second stage of problem solving or coping you assess the situation at a deeper level. This time you recall previous experiences, the beliefs and attitudes you currently hold about the situation, and the environment such as personal resources, social support, finances, etc. During this stage its important to have a sense of efficacy – which is that you perceive yourself as being able to complete the behaviours it takes to cope effectively. If you do not feel as though you have control over the situation the greater probability that you will experience

anxiety and distress.

Stage #3 During the third stage you take actions that are necessary to solve the problem. This might include asking another person for help, using your communication skills to work out the problem with another person, seeking a community organisation, counsellor or physician for extra support and knowledge, etc.

Action Steps in problem solving:

1. Identify the problem.
2. Consider your options and possible actions.
3. What are the pros and cons of each option identified?
4. Make a choice.
5. Evaluate the outcome or re-evaluate your steps.

Ways of Coping with Stress - Your Individual Coping Style

Many people react to difficult situations with a ‘broken record’. Our unique coping styles have been taught to us by our parents when we didn’t even realise it. Its important to be consciously aware of your individual coping style and whether it is effective at getting the results you desire. You can respond to stressful situations with a unhelpful pattern that was handed down through the generations in your family, or you can be consciously aware and intend to react in ways that benefit all involved.

Consider whether you respond to situations with an emotional react or with problem solving skills and then alter your behavior accordingly.

Coping Strategies - Ways of Coping with Stress

Successful strategies to use when dealing with a stressful situation (Cohen and Lazarus, 1979).

1. When a stressful situation occurs seek information about the event.
2. Take action. Do something to help solve the problem.
3. Control unhelpful behaviors.
4. Use your self-talk (or inner dialogue) to help handle the situation.
5. Talk with others.

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Behavior Modification to Handle Stressors

Home Page & the 5-Step Management Plan

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