Which coping strategy focuses on addressing one's emotions toward a stressor?

Emotional-focused coping is a strategy that emphasizes managing one's emotional response to a stressor rather than addressing the stressor itself. This approach is particularly useful when individuals feel they cannot change or control the situation they are facing. It involves techniques such as seeking emotional support, expressing feelings, reframing the situation, or engaging in relaxation and mindfulness practices to reduce the emotional burden and enhance emotional well-being.

This type of coping is different from problem-focused coping, which specifically seeks to tackle the root cause of the stressor directly through problem-solving or taking action. While active coping refers to a proactive approach to dealing with stressors, it may incorporate both problem-focused and emotional-focused strategies. Avoidant coping generally involves evading the stressor, which can lead to increased stress and is often seen as less effective in the long term.

In the context of emotional-focused coping, individuals are more concerned with processing their feelings and finding ways to alleviate emotional pain rather than changing the actual situation that causes the stress. This understanding of the strategy is essential for students of psychopathology, as recognizing the emotional responses to stress is crucial in therapeutic settings.