Sunil is anxious about a project that is due next week. Identify the odd one out among the following responses he could make.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Recalling how he solved similar problems
Option (1) Watching TV for the whole evening — Incorrect. Watching TV keeps the worry out of mind. It is an example of the avoidance-oriented strategy, which denies or minimises the seriousness of the situation.
Option (2) Recalling how he solved similar problems — Correct. Recalling how one solved similar problems faces the problem directly. It is a task-oriented strategy, so it is the odd one out among three avoidance responses.
Option (3) Phoning up a friend for a long chat — Incorrect. Phoning a friend here replaces stressful thoughts with self-protective ones. It is an avoidance-oriented example given by Endler and Parker.
Option (4) Going out to be with other people — Incorrect. Trying to be with other people is also an avoidance-oriented response; it takes the mind off the project.
NCERT (2026-27): “COPING WITH STRESS … “Avoidance-oriented Strategy : This involves denying or minimising the seriousness of the situation; it also involves conscious suppression of stressful thoughts and their replacement by self-” “Activity 3.3 protective thoughts. Examples of this are watching TV, phone up a friend, or try to be with other people.” |