Coping Strategies Test: Problem-Focused, Emotion-Focused, and Avoidance Coping

Psychological coping mechanisms can be conscious or unconscious. Unconscious coping strategies are called defense mechanisms, and you can test yours here. That test can be quite revealing, and to this day, it is one of the most popular tests on this site.

Conscious coping strategies are slightly different. By definition, they involve a conscious effort to reduce stress and deal with the problem.

There are hundreds of coping strategies, but in this simple test, we will look at three common ones:

• problem solving (problem-focused),
• seeking social support (emotion-focused),
• escape / avoidance (emotion-focused).

To take the test, answer this question:

WHAT BEHAVIORS DESCRIBE YOU WHEN YOU ARE FACED WITH A SERIOUS PROBLEM?

I cry on my friend’s shoulder.
always
usually
never

I oversleep.
always
usually
never

I escape into movies, shows, or games.
always
usually
never

I make a plan to dig myself out of the situation.
always
usually
never

I want to be left alone.
always
usually
never

I look for advice from people who have had a similar problem.
always
usually
never

I try to focus on something else.
always
usually
never

I keep talking about my problem because talking it through helps me find a solution.
always
usually
never

I gladly accept help and support from others.
always
usually
never

I mostly keep to myself.
always
usually
never

I do my best to resolve the issue at hand.
always
usually
never

I brainstorm all possible solutions before doing anything.
always
usually
never

I get emotional support from friends and family.
always
usually
never

I keep dreaming of a better life.
always
usually
never

I discuss the situation with anyone who is willing to listen.
always
usually
never

I carefully consider all possible steps I could take.
always
usually
never

I keep trying different ways to solve the problem without wasting time.
always
usually
never

I hide my emotions and pretend to be okay.
always
usually
never

I talk to friends and relatives.
always
usually
never

I share my worries with someone who can comfort me.
always
usually
never

I turn to a hobby or exercise.
always
usually
never

I keep thinking about what I could do to improve the situation.
always
usually
never

I keep thinking about what to do next.
always
usually
never

I try to escape by playing games or watching television.
always
usually
never

I look for someone who can make me feel better.
always
usually
never

I focus completely on finding a solution.
always
usually
never

I commit to fighting back and protecting myself.
always
usually
never

I begin to avoid people.
always
usually
never

I ask my friends for insight into my situation.
always
usually
never

I ask my friends what they would do in my place.
always
usually
never

I fantasize about how things could be different.
always
usually
never

I keep researching and looking for new solutions.
always
usually
never

I think about the best way to carry out my plan and solve the problem.
always
usually
never

GET RESULTS

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