researchers can identify relatively stable patterns in the way people cope with
anxiety (Ptacek, Pierce, & Thompson, 2006). Like other personality variables,our reliance on our favorite coping strategies tends to be consistent over time
and across different anxiety-provoking situations. We sometimes refer to a per-
son’s general approach to dealing with stress as his or her coping style.
Types of Coping Strategies
I was once involved in a discussion at a local Red Cross office about whether to
show a potentially anxiety-provoking film to expectant parents. The topic of the
film was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), an illness that mysteriously kills
thousands of infants annually. One group of parents did not want to expose
themselves to anything that suggested th eir child could die in infancy. The other
TABLE6.1
Examples of Coping Strategies
Problem-Focused Strategies
I obtained as much information as I could about the situation.
I made a plan of action.I considered alternatives and weighed the pros and cons.
I talked with people who have had similar experiences.
I tried harder to make things work.
I sought out help from someone who knew more than I did.
I set aside time to work on the problem.
Emotion-Focused Strategies
I discussed my feelings with friends.
I thought about how I could learn from the experience.
I accepted what had happened and moved on.
I tried to put things in perspective.
I looked for the silver lining.
I found comfort in my religion.
I talked about my feelings with a professional counselor.
Avoidance Strategies
I tried not to think about the problem.
I pretended the problem didn ’t exist.
I used alcohol or drugs to feel better.
I tried to distract myself with other activities.
I avoided people and situations that reminded me of the problem.
I slept more than usual.I refused to acknowledge the scope of the problem.Anxiety and Coping Strategies 127