In a class activity, Priya rates herself from 5 = always to 1 = never on items such as 'I express emotions openly and directly', 'I work towards my own personal goals', 'I accept situations that cannot be altered' and 'I discuss my worries with friends'. Her total score is very high. Which of the following does her high score show?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A better overall ability to cope with stress
Option (1) A better overall ability to cope with stress — Correct. These items together make up a short measure of coping ability. On this scale, the higher the score, the better the ability to cope, so Priya's very high total shows good coping.
Option (2) A stronger use of problem-focused coping — Incorrect. Problem-focused coping attacks the problem itself, for example by gaining information or altering the event. Items like accepting what cannot be altered or sharing worries are not of this kind, so the total does not measure it.
Option (3) A stronger use of emotion-oriented coping — Incorrect. Emotion-oriented coping means trying to control one's emotions, venting anger or deciding nothing can be done. Only some items touch feelings; the total mixes goals, acceptance and sharing, so it is not a measure of this one strategy.
Option (4) A stronger use of task-oriented coping — Incorrect. Task-oriented coping means getting information about the situation and the choices open, and acting on it directly. Only the goals item is close to this; the total score reads overall coping.
NCERT (2026-27): “COPING WITH STRESS … “5-point scale ranging from 5 = always to 1 = never. I express emotions openly and directly. I work towards my own personal goals. I accept situations that cannot be altered. I discuss my worries with friends. I may not get everything just right. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher. The higher the score, the better would be your ability to cope.” |