There are stressors in our everyday lives that cannot be avoided, which is why solving the problem at its root is the way to go. Letting stress take over and interfere with our lives might be the go-to way of handling problems, but there is a better, healthier way.
Problem-focused coping is all about tackling the problem as soon as we can, but at first, just accepting that you have a problem that you need to work on.
There is, of course, another way of coping, emotion-focused coping, but we’ll be focusing on the practicality of problem-focused coping here. You can read more about emotion-focused coping here.
What is problem-focused coping?
To change one’s circumstances and reduce the situations in which you worry constantly, you need the support of problem-focused coping.
But what is problem-focused coping?
It is a stress management approach that’s based on dealing with or reducing the pain caused by the problem at hand. The person tries to manage the problem, or maybe alter it in a way that makes it less stressful.
This accounts for:
- Generating different solutions to the problem.
- Confronting others who might be accountable for the stress you’re feeling.
- Seeking help in managing the situation.
- Making an effort to organize your time.
- Creating a to-do list.
What are the steps to achieve problem-focused coping?
Problem-focused coping gives you the facts at hand, it serves as a problem-solving strategy that sidesteps the emotional analysis we normally go through. Here’s how you can apply this coping strategy in three easy steps.
1. Face the problem
Identify the current problem you’re dealing with. Think back on your day, what might have triggered your stress, and understand that figuring out exactly what’s bothering you can be hard. The main takeaway is figuring out whether the problem is changeable, or just irreparable.
Then, face the situation with the truth in mind. Brainstorm different solutions to your problem, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your ways of dealing with your issues.
2. Remove the Problem
Take action. Remove what’s causing you to stress out; don’t just accept the negative situations you’ve been thrown in. Try to realize that not addressing the problem is a statement of its own, you could be signaling to others that you’re okay with them causing or contributing to the issue at hand.
Additionally, if you don’t want to deal with or remove the problem, it’ll most likely remain there, worsening with time. Accept the fact that involved action is the way to go, and start the problem-solving process as soon as possible.
3. Reassure yourself
An integral part of problem-focused coping is finding confidence in your way of dealing with a problem. Working through your issues head-on isn’t the easiest approach, and some might criticize your straightforwardness.
Reassure yourself while removing stressors out of your life, there is no shame in prioritizing yourself and your comfort.
For example, when you face a problem with your partner, try sitting down and coming up with two or three different solutions to lessen the stress you’re feeling. Make a list of all the pros and cons corresponding to every solution, assign a weight to each point, and put all the potential solutions next to each other.
You make your decision based on the weight of every pro versus the weight of every con. That way, you’re making your problem-solving process as efficient as it can be, while directly tackling the problem! Remember to validate your process of decision-making, and appreciate your efforts in taking direct action.
In the end, different coping strategies work for different people.
Don’t be hard on yourself if problem-focused coping doesn’t give you the same results as other people. At the end of the day, we all function differently, with differing needs, and hold diversity in the way we cope every day!