Which type of coping would most likely be employed when someone seeks therapy to manage their feelings during a stressful period?

Seeking therapy to manage feelings during a stressful period is primarily an example of emotional-focused coping. This type of coping strategy involves managing the emotional distress that arises from challenging situations, rather than trying to solve the problem itself. When individuals engage in therapy, they are often looking to explore their feelings, gain insight into their emotional responses, and develop healthier ways to deal with their emotions. This process typically involves expressing emotions, processing feelings, and obtaining support from a therapist who can guide them through their emotional turmoil.

While problem-focused coping aims to directly address and resolve the source of stress, emotional-focused coping acknowledges the emotional response to stress and focuses on understanding and managing those feelings. This distinction is crucial because the goal of emotional-focused coping is to find ways to feel better emotionally rather than necessarily eliminating the source of stress.

In this context, the mention of seeking therapy aligns perfectly with the objective of emotional-focused coping and indicates a proactive approach to enhancing emotional well-being during stressful times.