In which coping style do people try to change their attitude about a stressor?

Emotion-focused coping is a strategy where individuals attempt to change their emotional response to a stressor rather than addressing the stressor itself. When people use this coping style, they may reframe their thoughts about a challenging situation, work on accepting the reality of the stressor, or seek to cultivate positive emotions to mitigate distress.

For instance, if someone is faced with a difficult life situation—like a job loss—they might try to reframe this event as an opportunity for new growth and development rather than focusing solely on the negative aspects. This shift in attitude can help reduce anxiety and promote emotional resilience in the face of stress.

This coping style differs from problem-focused coping, which involves taking active steps to eliminate or reduce the stressor directly, and active coping, which involves proactive and direct strategies. Defensive coping typically involves denial or avoidance, which does not address the emotional response in a constructive way. Therefore, emotion-focused coping correctly emphasizes the alteration of one's attitudes or feelings toward a stressor, reflecting a more internal adjustment to manage stress.