Final answer:
Internal coping strategies are personal methods used to deal with stress and manage emotions, often involving either problem-focused or emotion-focused approaches. Option B is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Internal Coping Strategies
Internal coping strategies are personal methods that individuals use to handle stress and emotions. These strategies often involve cognitive and behavioral efforts to reduce the stress levels. Unlike seeking social support, which involves external assistance, internal coping strategies are self-generated and focus on one's internal resources.
Two fundamental categories of coping strategies, as identified by Lazarus and Folkman (1984), are problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping. Problem-focused coping is about directly addressing the problem causing the stress, akin to proactive problem-solving. For example, a student failing a class would seek tutoring or dedicate more time to study to improve grades. Emotion-focused coping, on the other hand, refers to methods aimed at managing the emotional response to the stressor, which may include engaging in activities that help distract or provide relief from stress, such as watching a movie or exercising.
Both coping strategies serve a purpose depending on whether the stressor is perceived as controllable or not. When faced with stressors we believe we cannot change, emotion-focused coping is more effective. On the contrary, when we perceive a stressor as controllable, problem-focused strategies are typically employed. It's important to note that some researchers like Horney suggest these coping styles could lead to neurotic behaviors if used rigidly or compulsively, resulting in detachment from others.