Final answer:
Joseph buying a flat-screen TV during financial struggles is an example of emotion-focused coping, where he seeks to alleviate emotional distress rather than solve the underlying financial issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Joseph's decision to buy a flat-screen television with the $300 he saved, despite facing financial struggles due to his recent divorce, is an example of emotion-focused coping. Instead of addressing his financial problems head-on, which is characteristic of problem-focused coping, he chose to mitigate the emotional distress associated with his situation.
In emotion-focused coping, individuals engage in activities or foster thoughts that help them feel better emotionally, even though the actual problem may remain unresolved. This can include actions like seeking entertainment to distract oneself, which temporarily alleviates the stress but does not fix the underlying issue—in this case, Joseph's inability to pay his bills.
Understanding the difference between these coping strategies is essential in managing stress effectively. While emotion-focused coping can provide temporary relief, it may not be a sustainable solution when facing controllable stressors where problem-focused coping could yield more productive outcomes.