Coping Strategies

In which situation are avoidance strategies most useful for coping with stress?

• when the individual has the power to change the stressful situation

• when the individual has a low self-efficacy

• when the individual has no control over the stressor

• when the individual has a low self-esteem

After marking the test, Ms Glum noticed that one of her students performed poorly. When asked, the student informed her that they were not coping with the VCE workload due to procrastination. If Ms Glum was to suggest an approach coping strategy to this student, it would involve

• efforts that evade a stressor and deal indirectly with it

• efforts to confront a stressor and deal with it directly

• taking steps to avoid the stressor

• distancing oneself from the stressor

Tash is an elite gymnast and is attempting to be accepted into the next Olympic squad. The upcoming trials are causing Tash to feel very stressed as she feels under prepared.

If Tash were to use an approach strategy to reduce the stress that she is experiencing, which of the following may be an appropriate example?

• speaking to a more experienced gymnast for advice

• speaking to her friend about their plans on the weekend

• going shopping to buy a new outfit

• all of the above

Tash is an elite gymnast and is attempting to be accepted into the next Olympic squad. The upcoming trials are causing Tash to feel very stressed as she feels under prepared.

Tash would be said to have a high level of coping flexibility if she displayed which of the following characteristics?

• an ability to recognise that her coping strategy is ineffective; to discontinue this ineffective coping strategy; and not implement any other coping strategy

• an ability to recognise that her coping strategy is ineffective; to discontinue this ineffective coping strategy; and then to implement an alternative coping strategy

• an ability to implement a strategy that she knows has worked in the past

• an ability to implement a strategy that meets the demands of the stressor she is currently experiencing

Melissa and Naomi are discussing how worried they are about a forthcoming VCE Units 3&4 Biology SAC.

Melissa decides to spend an extra hour each night studying for the SAC, whereas Naomi finds herself watching TV for longer periods each night leading up to the SAC, and does not adequately prepare for the assessment.

Melissa has used an ​ (a)   strategy whereas Naomi has used an ​ (b)   strategy.

• approach
• avoidance
• problem focused
• emotion focused
• primary coping
• secondary coping

Simon teaches Spanish at a secondary school. In December, he was unexpectedly informed that he would not have a job at the school the following year, as his contract would not be renewed. Simon was devastated by this news

as it would cause him to be denied a home loan that he had just applied for.

Which of the following would not be considered an approach strategy for Simon after he lost his job?

• making a list of appropriate jobs that he is going to apply for

• seeing a careers advisor to get advice about finding a new job

• denying that he had lost his job

• looking at losing his job as an opportunity to retrain and start a new career

Ken recently lost his job. If it was said that Ken displayed high levels of coping flexibility, this would involve him

• using the same coping strategy in all stressful situations

• using no coping strategy for a stressful situation

• adapting the stressful situation to match the coping strategy

• adapting the coping strategy to match the stressful situation

Which of the following is true of approach and avoidance coping strategies?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Within the next week, Cala has three VCE exams to complete. She wants to perform to a very high academic standard on all her exams, but she has noticed that her stress levels have increased and she is unsure if she can cope.

An appropriate coping strategy that Cala could use, that demonstrates context-specific effectiveness, would be

• preparing a study schedule

• meditation

• exercise

• listening to music

Place the 'descriptions' under the correct heading

Groups:

(a) Approach strategies

,

(b) Avoidance strategies

,

(c) Coping flexibility

,

(d) Context-specific effectiveness

• combine different coping methods
• deny the existence of the problem

• engage in problem-solving techniques

• adapt to changing circumstances
• target the stressor directly

• reassess strategies based on outcomes
• adapt strategies based on the situation

• consider the context before responding

• withdraw from social interactions

• seek support from others

• develop a plan of action

• use distractions to escape the stressor

• assess the effectiveness of different approaches

• confront the issue head-on

• evade the stressor

• procrastinate on dealing with the issue

• evaluate past experiences to inform current decisions

• modify coping techniques as needed

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-2

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3