Which of the following is an example of emotion-focused coping?

• A. Gathering information to address the source of stress
• B. Creating a detailed plan to solve the problem causing stress
• C. Taking direct action to change the stressful situation
• D. Seeking social support to talk about your feelings after a stressful event

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping. Problem-focused coping involves taking direct steps to solve or change the source of stress, while emotion-focused coping involves managing the emotional response to the stressor.
2. Review each option and classify it as either problem-focused or emotion-focused coping based on the definitions. For example, 'Gathering information to address the source of stress' is problem-focused because it aims to change the stressor.
3. Identify that 'Creating a detailed plan to solve the problem causing stress' and 'Taking direct action to change the stressful situation' are also problem-focused coping strategies because they involve actively addressing the problem.
4. Recognize that 'Seeking social support to talk about your feelings after a stressful event' is emotion-focused coping because it helps manage emotional distress rather than changing the stressor itself.
5. Conclude that the correct example of emotion-focused coping is the option involving seeking social support to express and process emotions related to the stress.