Explain problem-focused and emotion focused coping.

 Coping strategies used by the individuals can be emotion-focused or problem-focused coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). Emotion-focused coping aims at addressing the emotional responses of the individual especially when the situation is not under one’s control. It employs methods such as distracting oneself from the problem situation, emotional disclosure (Pennebaker, 1995), journaling (Cheng, Tsui & Lam, 2015), cognitive reappraisal (Lazarus & Alfert, 1964), meditation and prayer, and use of substances and alcohol. Such coping aims at managing the expressed emotions only and does not address the root cause of the problem or stressful situation. Whereas, problem focused coping involves addressing the problem itself and usually occurs in people having internal locus of control. It addresses the cause of the problem and uses problem solving and time management strategies. Although emotion-focused strategies are often less effective than using problem-focused methods in relation to health outcomes (Penley, Tomaka & Weibe, 2012), use of the strategies depend on the control over the situations and the stressors, nature of the problem and the situational context. When individuals have control over the sources of stress, problem –focused coping is more effective.

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