Coping is the ability where individuals learn to deal with difficult situations.

Coping skills or coping mechanisms are the conscious thoughts and behaviours used to deal with stressful situations.

What Are The Theories Behind This Worksheet?

The stress and coping theory focuses on how people manage the adverse effects of stress. 

There are four types of coping skills:

1. Problem-focused 

This coping skill is used to address the problem causing the distress.

Example: In a stressful situation at work, problem-focused coping skills will include looking for a new job or talking to your boss.

2. Emotion-focused 

This coping skill aims to reduce the negative emotions associated with the problem. This approach is useful when you want to calm down first before dealing with the problem.

Example: Exercising or practising mindfulness.

3. Meaning-focused 

This coping skill is used when an individual uses cognitive strategy to derive and manage the meaning of a situation.

Example: In a stressful situation at work, instead of looking for another job, you try to see the benefits of the stressful situation and what you can learn from it.

4. Social coping (support-seeking) 

This coping skill is used when an individual reduces stress by seeking support from individuals or the community.

Example: talking to a friend or seeking professional help.

How Will This Worksheet Help You?

Effective coping skills can help improve mental and emotional well-being.

People who are able to adjust to stressful or traumatic situations through productive coping skills or mechanisms are less likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns as a result of painful or challenging events.

How Should You Use This Worksheet?

This worksheet should be used at any time you’re in a stressful situation.

You can also use this worksheet when you’re dealing with uncomfortable emotions or daily stressors.

References