Problem-focused vs. emotion-focused coping
After failing an exam, a student meets with the professor and builds a weekly study schedule. This is:
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
Emotion-focused coping manages the emotional reaction, for example through exercise, venting, or reframing.
B
Defensive coping uses mechanisms such as denial to avoid the stressor.
C
Secondary appraisal is judging your resources to cope. She has moved on to acting.
D
Correct. She acts directly on the source of stress.
TakeawayProblem-focused: change the situation. Emotion-focused: change how you feel about it.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps114.