Positive or Negative
Going for a hike.
Is this a positive or negative coping skill?
Positive coping skill
Relying on negative coping mechanisms to alleviate stress/negative feelings can sometimes eventually turn into addictions.
True - for example, always relying on alcohol for negative emotions can cause the person to become dependent on that substance.
After a stressful day at school, Kiana decides to relax by listening to music.
Is this an example of a healthy or unhealthy coping mechanism?
Healthy coping mechanism
Smashing all the dishes.
Is this an example of a positive or negative coping skill?
Negative coping skill
Coping Mechanisms are healthy ways people manage their stress/trauma.
False, coping mechanisms can also be unhealthy for an individual.
Violet is extremely frustrated after working a double shift at Top Golf, she decides to lift weights at the gym to take her mind off some of the rude customers.
Is this an example of a healthy or unhealthy coping mechanism?
Healthy coping mechanism
Name 2 positive coping skills.
- Hanging/talking with friends/family
- Reading a book/watching a show
- Taking a walk/Exercising
- Eating a healthy meal
- Meditation/Yoga
Having a strong support system is a beneficial way to deal with stressors.
True - having people you can rely on, distract yourself with, or talk to is a great way to handle stressful situations.
Bob has just been broken up with, he decides to hang out with his old friend he used to do meth with in hopes to forget his ex.
This is an example of potential ______ and is it a healthy or unhealthy coping mechanism?
Potential relapse by surrounding yourself with negative influences - this is an unhealthy coping mechanism.
Name 2 negative coping skills.
- Drinking alcohol
- Yelling at friends/family
- Taking street drugs
- Overeating unhealthy/junk food
- Isolating yourself from the world
- Doom scrolling on social media pages
- Self-harm (cutting)
Coping skills are always either healthy or unhealthy and will never change the positive or negative effect they have on the person.
False - whether coping skills are positive or negative for the person can be situation-dependent or can change based on the frequency of use.
Example: Watching TV is a great way to destress after a hard day at work, but watching TV for an entire week while neglecting your relationships turns this coping skill into a negative.
Tara has been feeling down for a couple of weeks now and decides to ignore all the text messages/calls from her friends. She even cancels her plans with her grandma to get lunch.
What is this an example of and is it a healthy or unhealthy coping mechanism?
Isolation - this is an unhealthy coping mechanism.