Final answer:
Cognitive restructuring is an emotion-focused coping strategy used to alter the negative emotions associated with stress by changing the interpretation of stressors, without altering the stressor itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive restructuring is an approach to changing the meaning or interpretation of stressors. This technique falls under emotion-focused coping strategies, where the goal is to change or reduce the negative emotions associated with stress. Through cognitive restructuring, individuals learn to adjust their thoughts, which in turn can alter their emotional responses to stressors. When faced with a situation appraised as stressful, instead of engaging in a problem-focused approach which would involve proactive measures to eliminate stressors, cognitive restructuring allows for the reinterpretation or reframing of the problem, lessening its emotional impact.
For example, if Bradford received a midterm notice that he was failing a class, an emotion-focused coping strategy like cognitive restructuring might lead him to reframe the challenge in a positive light, thinking of it as an opportunity to develop better study habits and to learn the material more deeply. This change in interpretation could help reduce his stress levels, even though the objective situation – his poor grade – has not changed.
It is important to note that cognitive restructuring is different from mere wishful thinking or self-deception; it is a methodical process that often involves the guidance of a therapist or counselor to identify and then challenge negative thought patterns, ultimately aiming to develop a healthier and more resilient cognitive framework dealing with stress.