Which of the following statements about coping with stress is correct? Lashing out at others is a healthy way of coping with stress.

• A. True; lashing out at others helps reduce stress in the long term.
• B. True; expressing anger towards others is always a healthy way to manage stress.
• C. False; lashing out at others is recommended by most psychologists as a coping strategy.
• D. False; lashing out at others is generally considered an unhealthy coping mechanism.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of coping with stress, which refers to the strategies individuals use to manage the demands of stressful situations and reduce emotional distress.
2. Step 2: Recognize that healthy coping mechanisms typically involve constructive behaviors such as problem-solving, seeking social support, or relaxation techniques.
3. Step 3: Identify that lashing out at others involves expressing anger or aggression in a way that can harm relationships and does not address the root cause of stress.
4. Step 4: Note that psychological research generally classifies lashing out as an unhealthy coping strategy because it can increase stress and create additional interpersonal problems.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct understanding is that lashing out at others is not recommended by psychologists and is considered an unhealthy way to cope with stress.