Which one of the following behaviours is NOT related to problem-focused coping?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Blaming the test paper difficulty for poor scores
Coping responses are of two types. Problem-focused strategies attack the problem itself, with behaviours designed to gain information, to alter the event, and to alter beliefs and commitments. Emotion-focused strategies try to limit the emotional upset caused by the event, with minimal effort to alter the event itself.
Option (1) Discussing the problem with parents — Problem-focused (Incorrect). Talking it over with parents is a way to gain information and advice on how to deal with the problem.
Option (2) Taking coaching classes for the improvement in marks — Problem-focused (Incorrect). Joining classes is a plan of action that works on the cause, the low marks.
Option (3) Blaming the test paper difficulty for poor scores — Not problem-focused (Correct). Blaming the paper changes nothing about one’s preparation; it only soothes the hurt of a poor score. It is an emotion-focused response, with no effort to alter the problem.
Option (4) Preparing notes for the examination — Problem-focused (Incorrect). Preparing notes attacks the problem directly by improving one’s preparation.
NCERT (2025-26): “Coping with Stress … According to them coping responses can be divided into two types of responses, problem-focused and emotion-focused. Problem-focused strategies attack the problem itself, with behaviours designed to gain information, to alter the event, and to alter belief and commitments. They increase the person’s awareness, level of knowledge, and range of behavioural and cognitive coping options. They can act to reduce the threat value of the event. For example ‘I made a plan of action and followed it’. Emotion-focused strategies call for psychological changes designed primarily to limit the degree of emotional disruption caused by an event, with minimal effort to alter the event itself.…” |