Problem Focused Coping

According to researchers Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman problem focused coping is an effective strategy to use in order to relieve stress. By definition problem focused coping is “a coping strategy designed to reduce the stress by overcoming the source of the problem” (Citation). As suggested in the article Stress Manangment by Sarah Mcleod, author for Simply Psychology, problem focused coping is best to implement when a person can control the source of the stress. This could include stressors caused by exams, work or some health conditions such as being overweight. People will find problem focused coping to be more effective if they determine the underlying cause of their stress and overcome it by taking action. In the textbook the example

At times I find it difficult to manage my stress, but I have found that I am able to overcome the source of my stress when I take control of the situation and seek solutions. For instance, I found myself under a lot of stress during my senior year of high school. In addition to managing school, work, and sports, I was also trying to figure out my plans for college and the future. During the beginning of the school year I thought I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to do as far as college. However, after doing an overnight visit at the college I thought for sure I would be attending in the fall, I suddenly realized I couldn’t see myself attending a big college or living in a dorm. After that experience I was starting to stress out and worried I wouldn’t have a plan after graduating high school. To help manage my stress I talked to my parents and guidance counselor about other college options. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that attending CCC was my best option. By attending CCC I wouldn’t have to worry about large class sizes or staying on campus. Using problem focused coping helped me overcome my stress and allowed me to make my final college