Emotion-Focused Coping: A Review
Introduction
Humans are inherently emotional beings, and our emotions play a large role in how we interact with and respond to the world around us. When faced with a stressful situation, our initial reaction is often to try and push away or ignore our emotions in favor of a more cognitive-based approach, such as problem-solving. However, this may not always be the most effective strategy, and research has shown that emotion-focused coping (EFC) can be a valuable tool in managing stress and anxiety. This article will review the literature on EFC, including its definition, its role in managing stress, and the implications for future research.
Definition of Emotion-Focused Coping
Emotion-focused coping is defined as a type of coping strategy in which individuals focus on the emotions associated with a stressful situation rather than on the actual event itself (Folkman, 1984). This strategy involves accepting and expressing the emotions associated with the situation, rather than attempting to suppress or ignore them. Emotion-focused coping has been found to be beneficial in managing stress, as it allows individuals to recognize and process their emotions in a healthy way (Folkman, 1984).
Role of Emotion-Focused Coping in Managing Stress
Emotion-focused coping has been found to be an effective strategy for managing stress in a variety of contexts. Studies have found that individuals who engage in EFC are better able to regulate their emotions and reduce their distress, compared to those who use problem-focused strategies (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984; Folkman & Lazarus, 1985). This is likely due to the fact that EFC allows individuals to recognize and address the emotional components of a stressful situation, rather than simply attempting to “fix” the problem.
In addition to helping individuals manage their stress in the moment, EFC can also be beneficial in the long-term. Research has found that individuals who use EFC are better able to identify and manage their emotions in the future, making them less vulnerable to stress and anxiety (Folkman & Lazarus, 1988). This suggests that EFC can be a valuable tool for individuals looking to build emotional resilience.
Implications for Future Research
The research on emotion-focused coping has demonstrated its potential as an effective tool for managing stress and anxiety. However, more research is needed to better understand the role of EFC in different contexts and populations. Future research should also explore how EFC can be used in combination with other strategies, such as problem-solving, in order to maximize its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Emotion-focused coping is a valuable tool for managing stress and anxiety. By allowing individuals to recognize and process their emotions in a healthy way, EFC can help them to regulate their emotions and reduce their distress in the short-term, as well as build emotional resilience in the long-term. Future research should explore the role of EFC in different contexts and populations, as well as how it can be used in combination with other strategies for managing stress.
References
Folkman, S. (1984). Personal control and stress and coping processes: A theoretical analysis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 46(4), 839-852.
Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. New York: Springer.
Folkman, S., & Lazarus, R. S. (1985). If it changes it must be a process: Study of emotion and coping during three stages of a college examination. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 48(1), 150-170.
Folkman, S., & Lazarus, R. S. (1988). Coping as a mediator of emotion. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54(3), 466-475.