Final answer:
(a) Emotion-focused coping involves strategies aimed at reducing negative emotions associated with stress, without addressing the cause. This contrasts with problem-focused coping, which directly addresses the stressor. Irritability towards others without addressing the source of stress is an example of emotion-focused coping.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept at hand deals with coping strategies that individuals might use to deal with stress, specifically within a health or medical environment. Emotion-focused coping is a type of stress management that involves trying to reduce the negative emotions associated with the stress rather than addressing the root cause of the stress itself. It includes strategies such as avoiding, minimizing, positive comparisons, seeking positives in negative events, and reappraisal. An example of emotion-focused coping is someone attempting to distract themselves from the stress of a failing grade by watching a comedy movie or playing video games.
Problem-focused coping, on the other hand, is aimed at directly addressing the problem causing the stress. This involves identifying the stressor, considering potential solutions, and taking direct actions such as contacting a professor to discuss grades, setting aside time for study, or seeking tutoring assistance.
In the context of the original question, which regards not taking direct action to address interpersonal problems but rather displaying irritability towards other staff, this would be indicative of emotion-focused coping, as the individual is responding to stress by attempting to manage their emotions rather than confront or solve the interpersonal issue.