Which one of the following behaviours is NOT related to problem-focused coping?

Blaming the test paper difficulty for poor scores

The correct answer is Option (3) → Blaming the test paper difficulty for poor scores

Problem-focused coping involves taking active steps to deal with the cause of stress directly—by attempting to solve the problem, gather information, or change the situation.

• Discussing the problem with parents, taking coaching classes, and preparing notes are all constructive, solution-oriented actions aimed at addressing the root of the problem.

• In contrast, blaming the test paper is an example of avoidance or emotion-focused coping, where the individual deflects responsibility or seeks to reduce distress without addressing the actual problem.

"Lazarus and Folkman has conceptualised coping as a dynamic process rather than an individual trait. Coping refers to constantly changing cognitive and behavioural efforts to master, reduce or tolerate the internal or external demands that are created by the stressful transaction. Coping serves to allow the individual to manage or alter a problem and regulate the emotional response to that problem. 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. For example “I did some things to let it out of my system”.