How do I cope? An introduction to coping styles.

Coping mechanisms are psychological and behavioral techniques people use to cope with and adjust to pressures, difficulties, and challenging emotions in their lives. These coping mechanisms are extremely important in defining one's general wellbeing and mental health. Five distinct coping styles that reflect various methods of dealing with adversity develop despite the fact that there are several coping mechanisms. Initially, researchers created literature on coping styles based on two major classifications: emotion-focused and problem focused coping.

However, recent literature by Algorani and Gupta (2021) have split coping styles into 4 major classifications. In addition, an extra classification by Meyerson et al. (2022) and Pang and Thomas (2020) was also added. Let us look at these classifications below:

Problem-Focused Coping: This form of coping is actively tackling the underlying causes of pressures and difficulties. People that focus on finding answers to difficulties have a tendency to evaluate situations, break down problems into smaller, more manageable ones, and come up with workable solutions. To deal with their problems in a productive way, they look for resources, information, and counsel. For instance, a person with this style could make a thorough action plan to fulfill deadlines or increase productivity if faced with a work-related issue. Problem-focused coping is particularly useful when the stressor is under the person's control and is modifiable.

Emotion-Focused Coping: The main goal of emotion-focused coping is to control the emotional suffering that comes along with stressors. People that use this style frequently engage in behaviors or procedures that aid in controlling their emotions, such as asking for social support, using relaxation techniques, or using creative outlets like music or art. This strategy seeks to change one's emotional response to the situation rather than the external circumstances. For instance, a grieving person might go to therapy to process their feelings and discover healthy methods to mourn.

Avoidant Coping: This type of coping entails making an effort to get away from or completely avoid stressors. Avoidant coping might take the form of denial, diversion, or numbing activities, including abusing drugs or using technology excessively. While it could offer temporary respite, it frequently inhibits people from facing and overcoming their problems, which has long-term detrimental effects on mental health. When employing avoidant coping, a person may put off doing a challenging activity, which may ultimately lead to more stress.

Social Coping: Social coping places a strong emphasis on asking friends, relatives, or a support network for help and support. Due to our innate social nature, sharing our troubles with others can provide us comfort, validation, and new insights. Social coping techniques include talking to a trusted friend about personal issues, asking mentors for guidance, and taking part in group therapy sessions. This strategy can promote a sense of community and lessen loneliness.

Spiritual or Meaning-Based Coping: To find meaning and purpose in challenging circumstances, this coping strategy leans on one's own beliefs, values, and spirituality. People who adopt this strategy might partake in religious practices or activities like prayer or meditation. They frequently find the courage and resilience to deal with difficult situations by connecting with a higher force or a deeper sense of purpose. When dealing with existential crises, loss, or circumstances where finding meaning might lessen suffering, this technique is especially helpful.

In actuality, people frequently combine coping mechanisms depending on the unique environment and resources at hand. Recognizing when each approach is acceptable and adaptive is necessary for effective coping. A vast repertoire of coping mechanisms enables people to react quickly to various stimuli while preserving their mental health. It's critical to remember that obtaining expert advice, such as through therapy or counseling, can offer tailored insights into one's coping mechanisms and provide resources to strengthen adaptive coping mechanisms.