ASSIGNMENT #8               Due: Monday, 4/3

Topic: Stress Management: Behavioral and Cognitive Strategies

Answer each of the following questions in a short paragraph (no more than 50-75 words each, for a total of 2-3 pages double-spaced).  The (*) notation after a question means that it relates to material presented only or mostly in class.

1. Explain the basic difference between instrumental (problem-focused) and palliative (emotion-focused) coping.

2. Consider the stress associated with carrying a full load of tough courses; describe one preventive coping strategy a student might use, and contrast it with one combative strategy.

3. Explain the significance of Folkman’s research with gay and bisexual men as it pertains to the outcomes of coping strategies.

4. Describe one of the two pairs of behavioral coping styles and explain the differences between each part of the pair.

5. Describe leveling and sharpening coping styles and explain the differences between them. (*)

6. How would you summarize the relationship between different coping styles and positive vs. negative coping outcomes? (*)

7. How is relaxation training supposed to be of benefit?

8. What is cue-controlled relaxation and why is it important?

9. What is autogenics and how is supposed to help as a form of stress management?

10. What is stress inoculation training and what evidence is there that it helps?

Copyright ©1998 Beverly J. Volicer and Steven F. Tello, UMass Lowell.  You may freely edit these pages  for use in a non-profit, educational setting.  Please include this copyright notice on all pages.