Final answer:
An emotion-focused coping strategy that leads to avoidance and passivity can result in learned helplessness, where one loses the sense of control and stops trying to change their situation, potentially leading to psychological issues like depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of emotion-focused coping strategy that can lead to a sense of helplessness when used excessively is one that involves avoidance, minimizing the negative emotions associated with stress, or positive reinterpretation without changing the actual stressor. However, focusing solely on managing emotions can lead to learned helplessness, a condition discovered by psychologist Martin Seligman, where individuals experience a loss of control over events in their lives and ultimately give up trying to change their situation. This lack of perceived agency can have profound psychological consequences, such as passivity or depression, especially if the negative life events are seen as uncontrollable.