Coping Strategies: Not Everything Works
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The Two Main Types of Coping Strategies
Coping strategies are the patterns of behaviour that we adopt that we believe will help us to cope with adversity or adverse situations.
These strategies are almost always developed from the point of view that they will be beneficial to us (what we refer to as coherence).
In general terms, we don’t create strategies that we believe will make things worse for ourselves or disadvantage us.
However, many of the most common coping strategies that we develop DO end up making things worse rather than better and in these cases we refer to them as maladaptive coping mechanisms.
The adoption of better, more adaptive coping strategies is one of the core aims of CBT.
Maladaptive Coping Strategies
The most common coping mechanisms that people use are known as safety behaviours and avoidance.
Whilst there are a few situations where avoidance is absolutely the best coping strategy, for example, hiding from a Tiger that walks into your house (unlikely to happen in the UK we know!), avoidance tends to make matters worse.
The problem with avoidance is that you never get to find out if you actually COULD cope with any given situation.
Furthermore, the continued use of avoidance reinforces the internal belief that you CANNOT cope, even if you actually could, which eventually becomes integrated into your internal working model of the World leaving you feeling rather helpless when facing adversity.
Not only that, but once avoidance become fully ingrained as one of your coping strategies, you will almost certainly begin to develop anxiety about needing to avoid the situations that you don’t think you can cope with.
Adaptive Coping Strategies
On the other side of the coin are adaptive coping strategies.
Adaptive coping mechanisms are those that you create that produce beneficial outcomes and increase your belief in your ability to cope.
Doing things that you don’t want to do, rather than avoiding them, ultimately provides you with new skills and knowledge that boost your self-esteem.
As with maladaptive mechanisms, your adaptive strategies also become embedded within your internal working model, but when his happens your ability to cope increases significantly.
Improving Low Self-Esteem with Applied Psychology
Self-esteem is the perception we have of ourselves.
It influences our choices, relationships, and overall quality of life.
When self-esteem is low, it can act as a barrier, preventing individuals from realising their full potential and enjoying life.
Intrusive Thoughts: What Do They Mean?
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts that pop into our minds unexpectedly.
They can be disturbing, inappropriate, or even shocking, often focused on themes of violence, sexual content, fear, or harm.
These thoughts are not aligned with our true desires or beliefs, and they can feel deeply uncomfortable….
The Paradox of Perfectionism: Trying to Achieve the Unachievable!
Perfectionism is often hailed as a desirable trait in a world that celebrates high standards, meticulous attention to detail, and unrelenting dedication.
At first glance, the pursuit of perfection seems like a noble endeavor, a path that leads to success, recognition, and self-fulfillment.