Coping with Stress

Derek's psychologist has asked him to write about a personal trauma he experienced as a child. How might this writing exercise influence his health?

He will have fewer health problems in the coming months.

Carlos' wife is going to the hospital for a painful spinal tap procedure and he is permitted to be with her during the procedure. What advice would you give Carlos that would reduce the stress for his wife?

hold her hand and talk to her about funny events in her life

Grandma Jones was recently admitted to a nursing home. She was quite ill and on a restricted diet, so the staff made all the decisions for her. They chose her meals, her clothes, and when she was able to get out of bed. As Grandma Jones' health improved, her grandchildren noticed that she seemed to have difficulty asserting herself with the staff. This can be explained by:

learned helplessness

Hakeem is a fourth year medical student. He has the tendency to downplay every successful exam. Every little set back is evidence to him that he will never graduate even though he has had several successful evaluations. Hakeem has a(n) _____ explanatory style.

pessimistic

_____ is to addressing work problems with a colleague as _____ is to talking to your hair stylist about all of the problems at work.

problem-focused coping; emotion-focused coping

The ability to control impulses and delay gratification is called:

self-control

Attempting to alleviate stress directly by avoiding or ignoring a(n) _____ and attending to emotional needs related to one's stress reaction is known as emotion-focused coping.

stressor