Coping With Stress Coping mechanisms come into play as an individual seeks to adapt to a stressful event - to master, tolerate, minimize, or reduce stress. It is the way we respond to stress, not so much the stressors themselves, that determines whether the impact will be large or small - even whether the individual experiences eustress or distress. Poor coping may fail to address the stressor and may even worsen it, as with a student who dreads an examination and puts off studying to the last moment. Sometimes the methods used to cope with a stressful situation become symptoms of psychopathology themselves. Good coping, on the other hand, enables an individual to meet the demands of a stressful situation effectively and at the same time promotes psychological and physical well-being.
Some people simply are more effective than others in dealing with the vicissitudes of life.
Research has shown that an individual's coping resources can buffer the effects of stress, as reflected in the development of illness. Coping Principles People who cope successfully with stress tend to adopt the following strategies. It is important to note that skilled professional help can help in implementing these strategies and maximizing their chances for success. Whenever possible, stressors should be dealt with by taking direct action. Individuals must also learn to recognize what is beyond their control, however.