Coping skills

Coping skills are methods a person uses to deal with stressful situations. Obtaining and maintaining good coping skills does not guarantee stress will not come into a person's life; however, with good coping skills one can better manage stress when it occurs.

Types of Coping Skills

Coping skills can be divided into two broad categories: Problem-focused coping and Emotion-focused coping.

Problem-focused coping

Problem-focused coping is aimed at resolving the stressful situation or event or altering the source of the stress. Problem-focused coping strategies include: problem solving, planning, stress management, seeking to belong, time management, and obtaining instrumental social support.

Emotion-focused coping

Emotion-focused coping is aimed at reducing or managing the emotional distress that is associated with or cued by the situation. Emotion-focused coping strategies include: distraction, relaxation, reappraisal, stress management, avoidance, wishful thinking, self-blame, and tension reduction.

Coping Skills and Mental Health

Coping skills are a key component in mental health treatment plans. They can help individuals with issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns.

See Also

• Stress management
• Mental health
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

References

Coping skills Resources
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