Child Life Certification Practice Test 2026 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The primary focus of emotion-focused coping is on changing one’s emotional reaction to a stressor rather than altering the stressor itself or avoiding it altogether. This approach is often utilized when individuals feel a lack of control over a stressful situation, and the key aim is to minimize the emotional distress associated with that situation. Techniques may include strategies such as seeking to reframe negative thoughts, engaging in relaxation exercises, or practicing self-compassion, all of which help individuals process their emotions and ultimately lead to healthier psychological outcomes.

This provides a contrast to other coping mechanisms, such as problem-focused coping, where the emphasis is on changing the external circumstances contributing to stress, rather than one’s emotional response. Emotion-focused coping recognizes that while the stressor may not be controllable, one can still manage how they feel about it, which can be vital for emotional well-being.