Key Point: It is the perceived demand and perceived resources mismatch that generates the need to cope. The actual demand-resource equation may be very much in favour of the resources, but if the person perceives resources to be inadequate (or demands to be greater than they actually are), then stress will result. Conversely, actual demands could be massive and resources minimal, but if the person perceives resources to be adequate, or the demand minimal, little or no stress results (this is the basis of denial and why it can be such an effective, but potentially maladaptive way to cope). So stress arises from the perception of potential harm, not the actual, objective risk of harm.

Coping is anything that people do to deal with the demands they perceive. Sometimes these responses are attempts to directly address the demands, such as studying to prepare for an examination demand, escaping from a fire, or going to a doctor if you find a lump on your body. These are called instrumental or problem-focused coping acts. Responses may also help to keep a person’s emotional reactions, such as fear, under control. This is particularly important if there is limited opportunity for problem-focused coping, such as when someone has cancer and treatment is uncertain.

Remember, many people have a strong need to retain a sense of control over their lives and environments. They like to know what is going to happen to them and dislike uncertainty, especially when they feel threatened. Think about your exam. Do you want to know what is going to be on the question paper? Why? Because if you can better predict what demands you will face then you can more accurately estimate their ability to cope and prepare to meet that demand (by studying the subject in question). If a person doesn’t think s/he can cope, or the demands exceed their perceived coping repertoire, they may resort to actions just to control their anxiety and distress. This is called emotion-focused coping. Often, problem-focused coping also serve emotion-coping roles and vice versa. For example, a man with a family history of coronary heart disease might take regular exercise to help lower his anxiety about having a heart attack. This could be considered both a problem and emotion focused coping act.

Sometimes, people learn ways to cope that are detrimental. A person who drinks a bottle of wine alone at home every night because he feels stressed by work will feel less stressed, but eventually, may develop problems from alcohol, such as liver disorders or even alcoholism. Such coping responses are said to be maladaptive.

What about coping effectiveness?