After failing to get admission to the college of his choice, Kabir tells everyone that the result does not bother him at all. He does not look at other colleges and drops his plan to study further. Which of the following best describes Kabir's way of coping?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → A pessimist who denies that the stress exists
Option (1) A pessimist who seeks advice and help from others — Incorrect. Seeking advice and help from others is how optimists cope. Kabir does not turn to anyone, so this mixes up the two styles.
Option (2) An optimist who assumes adversity can be handled — Incorrect. An optimist believes a setback can be handled and keeps working at it. Kabir drops his plan instead, which shows he expects no way forward.
Option (3) An optimist who uses problem-focused coping — Incorrect. Optimists expect good outcomes and act on the problem, for example by applying to other colleges. Kabir takes no step to solve the problem.
Option (4) A pessimist who denies that the stress exists — Correct. Kabir says the failure does not bother him and gives up his goal of studying further. Pessimists ignore the problem and deny that stress exists, or give up the goal the stress is blocking.
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