Problem Focused and Emotion Focused (Essay Sample)

Coping: Problem Focused and Emotion Focused
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According to Cummings (1991, p. 92), there are mainly two ways or coping with stress and/or anxiety namely, problem focused and emotion coping. She further defines coping as constant change in behavioural and cognitive efforts in order to handle external and/or internal stress or anxiety that exceeds the resources of the person.
Brannon and Feist (2009, p. 121) point out that problem focused coping focuses on the cause of the stress or anxiety as a means to get relief. For example, one would seek to learn more about the cause of the stress and seek to acquire new skills to manage the situation. This would then change the source of the stress hence bringing about relief.
On the other hand, emotion focused coping focuses on reducing the emotional negatives associated with the stress. Therefore, the individual will try to reduce such emotions as fear and embarrassment by changing the way they think such as employing denial or seeing humour in a situation. (Brannon & Feist, 2009, p. 121)
Even though psychologist such as Taylor (2006, P. 193) say that problem focused coping is the most effective, I tend to use either or both depending on the source of stress. For example, I would use problem focused coping technique to solve any medical issues by learning how to change my lifestyle for instance. On the other hand, I mostly use emotion focused techniques if the source of stress is beyond my control. I for instance put forth my ideas and opinions disregarding any embarrassment that may come out of it.
The coping strategy I use and its effectiveness is hugely influenced by the source of stress, either internal or external. Carver and Connor-Smith, (2010, pp. 67...