Coping Mechanisms

Definition and Dynamics of Coping

Coping is technically defined as a constantly changing cognitive and behavioral effort to manage specific internal or external demands that are assessed as exceeding one's resources.

It is crucial to understand that "coping" is not synonymous with "successful resolution" or "aggressive coping". It is the process of management.

Moreover, it is not static; the strategies an individual uses evolve with age and experience.

What at age 20 was managed with impulsivity, at age 40 can be managed with negotiation, thanks to the learning variable.

The Temporal Phases of Stress

Coping should be analyzed in a timeline composed of four critical phases: before, in front of, during and after. Each phase requires different strategies. Let's take a crucial job interview as an example.

Before (Anticipation): Does the person prepare and study (active coping) or procrastinate to avoid anxiety (avoidance)?

Before (Imminence): Right when entering the room, does he/she apply breathing techniques or does he/she panic?

During (Confrontation): While answering questions, do you focus on the task or on your physical symptoms?

After (Evaluation): Do you congratulate yourself for the effort or punish yourself by ruminating on mistakes? The therapist should eva luate each phase.

Problem-Focused and Emotion-Focused Strategies

There are two broad functional categories of coping. Problem-focused coping seeks to alter the relationship between the person and the environment through direct action.

For example, if a vehicle breaks down, changing the tire or calling the tow truck are problem-directed actions. This is linked to an internal locus of control.

On the other hand, emotion-focused coping seeks to regulate internal discomfort when the reality cannot be changed immediately.

In the same vehicle example, while waiting for the tow truck in the rain, the person can practice patience, listen to music to calm down, or pray.

Neither is intrinsically better; mental health lies in the flexibility to alternate between the two depending on the controllability of the event.

Summary

Coping is a dynamic cognitive and behavioral effort to manage demands that exceed resources. It is not static, as strategies evolve with age and learning.

Stress should be analyzed in four temporal phases: anticipation, imminence, confrontation, and post-eva luation. Each phase requires different interventions for the subject to manage the situation effectively.

There are two functional types: problem-focused coping, which seeks direct action, and emotion-focused coping, which regulates internal discomfort when the environment is unchanging.