Coping mechanisms
Coping Mechanisms
Coping mechanisms (pronunciation: /ˈkoʊpɪŋ ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/) are strategies that individuals use to manage stress and difficult emotions. The term is derived from the English words "cope," meaning to deal effectively with something difficult, and "mechanism," referring to a process or system.
Types of Coping Mechanisms
There are two main types of coping mechanisms: adaptive coping and maladaptive coping.
Adaptive Coping
Adaptive coping mechanisms are healthy, positive ways to deal with stress. They often involve problem-solving, physical activity, and seeking support from others. Examples include exercise, meditation, and socializing.
Maladaptive Coping
Maladaptive coping mechanisms, on the other hand, are negative ways of dealing with stress that often exacerbate the problem. They can include substance abuse, denial, and self-harm.
Related Terms
- Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
- Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
- Emotional regulation: The ability to respond to the ongoing demands of experience with the range of emotions in a manner that is socially tolerable and sufficiently flexible.
See Also
References
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.