Final answer:
Constructive coping with stress is the adaptive effort to manage stress, which includes problem-focused coping (directly addressing the stressor) and emotion-focused coping (managing the emotional response to the stressor). It is about actively engaging in strategies to reduce stress rather than avoiding or denying it.
Step-by-step explanation:
Constructive coping with stress refers to adaptive efforts to manage stress. Unlike maladaptive strategies such as passive avoidance or denial, constructive coping involves actively addressing the issue causing stress or managing the emotional response to it. This can be split into two types: problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping.
Problem-focused coping entails directly addressing the cause of stress. For instance, a student failing a class might implement a study schedule or seek tutor assistance to improve their performance, thereby reducing stress by fixing its source. Emotion-focused coping, on the other hand, involves trying to feel better about the situation by changing how one feels about the stressor, focusing on positive aspects, or engaging in relaxation activities without necessarily solving the underlying issue.
Overall, perceptions of control and coping abilities play a crucial role in managing stress, and utilizing constructive coping strategies can contribute to better health and stress management.