Question

What role does coping play in the stress process? When is it adaptive versus maladaptive? Give specific examples to illustrate your answer.

Answer 1

What role does coping play in the stress process?

Coping is inherent in the process of stress. Usually, when faced with trouble or a problem, one tries to identify how to respond to it or cope with it. Coping plays an important role in the stress process - it can be a cognitive environment, physical, or even spiritual coping. It ranges from positive to negative and then are many coping styles, each one depends on the problem and the person facing it.

When is it adaptive versus maladaptive?

Adaptive coping is the general coping strategy - things that are done to reduce stress and feel better. It is positive and constructive in nature Maladaptive coping, on the other hand, tends to be destructive and defeats the purpose of coping. The person involved feels that they are doing it to get better while in reality, it is making things worse.

Give specific examples to illustrate your answer.

Example: Fired from work

1. Adaptive coping: Talking to a friend about it and looking for ways to get out of the situation
2. Maladaptive coping: Getting drunk and showing up at the boss' house to have a conversation

Example: Had a bad breakup

1. Adaptive coping: Taking a hot shower and going out with friends to deal with it
2. Maladaptive coping: Harming oneself