Overview
This resource explains four primary coping styles—active coping, surrender, overcontrol, and passive coping—with guidance on identifying and shifting thoughts to more adaptive responses when facing challenges.
Understanding Coping Styles
- Coping is the process of managing the demands of stressful events.
- People respond differently to stress: some give up, while others face challenges with hope and resilience.
- Four main coping styles are identified: overcontrol, under-control (passive coping), active coping, and surrender.
- Overcontrol and under-control (passive coping) are considered maladaptive, while active coping and surrender are adaptive.
- Overcontrol is characterized by obsessive thinking and efforts to control the uncontrollable.
- Passive coping involves denying responsibility, withdrawing, or relying on others or substances to cope.
- Active coping includes problem-solving, seeking information, and reframing thoughts to manage stress.
- Surrender consists of intentionally letting go when control is counterproductive, focusing on acceptance and influence.
Steps in the Coping Thoughts Exercise
- Step 1: Describe a current challenging situation.
- Step 2: Observe and record thoughts about coping with the situation.
- Step 3: Learn about the four coping styles and identify which thoughts fit each style.
- Step 4: Assign each thought to its coping style.
- Step 5: Assess whether each coping thought is helpful or unhelpful.
- Step 6: Reframe unhelpful thoughts into more adaptive (active coping or surrender-style) alternatives.
- Step 7: Reflect on the experience and potential impact of changing coping thoughts.
Guidance and Clarifications
- Surrendering is an intentional process and differs from giving up or being overwhelmed by emotions.
- Clients are encouraged to focus on aspects within their influence, even when situations cannot be changed.
- Practitioners may need to assist clients in generating constructive alternative coping thoughts, especially if they have a history of negative thinking.
- The exercise may be used as homework, with a form provided for recording thoughts and coping assessments.
Recommendations / Advice
- Advise individuals that while changing a difficult situation may not always be possible, one can always choose their response.
- Encourage awareness and intentional selection of adaptive coping strategies to improve resilience and well-being.