Which term best describes the act of thinking about the positive aspects of stressful events?

• A. Positive reappraisal
• B. Catastrophizing
• C. Rumination
• D. Avoidance coping

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem, which involves identifying a psychological term related to how individuals think about stressful events.
2. Step 2: Review the definitions of each option: 'Catastrophizing' refers to imagining the worst possible outcomes; 'Rumination' involves repeatedly thinking about distressing situations; 'Avoidance coping' means evading the stressor or related thoughts; 'Positive reappraisal' is the process of reframing a stressful event by focusing on its positive aspects.
3. Step 3: Recognize that the question asks specifically about thinking of the positive aspects of stressful events, which involves changing the interpretation of the event in a positive way.
4. Step 4: Match this description to the term 'Positive reappraisal,' as it directly involves reframing stressors to find positive meaning or growth.
5. Step 5: Conclude that 'Positive reappraisal' is the best term to describe the act of thinking about the positive aspects of stressful events.