Stress And Ineffective Coping Behaviors

Stress, stress, stress! We've all dealt with it before, but how much stress is too much stress? And how do you deal with that stress? Being in the military I've dealt with my fair share of distress, and as a result identified the need for coping behaviors. Learning how and when you cope is beneficial to your optimal performance. On the other hand, you also need to know the difference between effective and ineffective coping behaviors, and how to avert enervation.

According to the lesson plan Adaptation and Innovation Theory coping behavior is the effort required to do something outside of our preference. I consider the coping behavior lesson the most important because it explained why and when to cope as an individual and leader. Although everyone copes at some point in their life, the level of coping determines its effectiveness. Coping behavior stems from motive and opportunity that the individual encounters. In the military there are a plethora of opportunities and depending upon the value we place on those opportunities dictate or motivation. Nevertheless, failure to recognize maximum coping behaviors causes individuals to make life altering

In addition to recognizing subordinate signs it’s just as important to support your peers and identify costly symptoms to your supervisor before they get out of control. Supervisors can effectively manage coping behaviors by closing cognitive gaps or limiting maximum coping behaviors. Understanding coping behaviors enhance individual performance thus increases mission effectiveness. I can apply this concept in my unit by being cognizant of social and task gaps when building teams and assigning tasks. Granted, it’s not enough for only myself to apply the concept, so I will educate my team on the effects of maximum coping behaviors, along with understanding cognitive gaps. Lastly if maximum coping is required I will take into account how long individuals will have to