Question

Elizabeth's boss removes her from a project team working on an important presentation because of repeated tardiness. Her response is to leave the office immediately and drown her sorrows by eating a pint of her favorite ice cream. This is an example of ____.
a. negative problem-focused coping
b. positive relationship-focused coping
c. positive problem-focused coping
d. negative relationship-focused coping

Answer 1

This is an example of negative problem-focused coping.

Coping mechanisms are the strategies people often use in the face of stress and trauma to help manage painful or difficult emotions.

In this case, Elizabeth attempts to divert the focus from the real problem with an unproductive solution.

 

Elizabeth should focus on a productive solution, and accept her percentage of the blame to achieve personal and professional growth.

Every day we are faced with problems, challenges and obstacles, otherwise known as stressors, which result in stressful situations. Individual coping strategies are crucial to how a person experiences these stressors.