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Define emotion-focused and problem-focused coping. Provide an example of each. In simple terms and in one sentence, describe how use of each type of coping is reinforced.
On Jun 25, 2024
Emotion-focused coping refers to strategies aimed at reducing negative feelings associated with exposure to the threat. Examples include anything that removes the threat from awareness, resulting in escape (e.g., intellectualization; use of substances; highly stimulating and distracting behaviours, such as eating-to-soothe, video-gaming, gambling, use of pornography). These methods are reinforced immediately by escape from the negative (punishing) feelings associated with awareness of the threat. Problem- focused coping refers to strategies aimed at realistically dealing with the threat itself, such as identifying the source of the problem and taking steps to rectify it. Problem-focused coping is rewarded eventually, through negative reinforcement (i.e., actual removal or reduction of the threat). The rewards are often delayed and require effort, and there is the experience of additional stress while coping with the problem.