The power of a coping mechanism in stressful situation

   Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "The power of a coping mechanism in stressful situation". The main reason why I choose that topic because many people are trapped in negative emotional until they can't go back in peaceful situation, In psychology, a coping mechanism is a strategy used by an individual to manage stress, negative emotions, or stressful situations. Broadly speaking, experts (such as Lazarus & Folkman) divide them into several main categories based on their focus.

The following are the types of coping mechanisms commonly studied:

1. Problem-Focused Coping

This strategy aims to resolve the source of stress directly. It is usually employed when a person feels they have control over the situation.

 *Problem Analysis: Examining the situation to find logical solutions.

 *Time Management: Organising one’s schedule so that a heavy workload feels more manageable.

 *Seeking Instrumental Support: Asking for practical help, such as borrowing money during a financial crisis or consulting an expert on how to fix something.

2. Emotion-Focused Coping

This strategy aims to reduce the negative emotional impact of stress, without changing the situation causing it. It is often used when the situation is beyond our control.

 *Journaling: Writing down feelings to release mental burdens.

 *Meditation or Mindfulness: Calming the nervous system so it does not react to stress.

 *Reframing: Trying to see the positive side or the silver lining of a bad event.

 *Distraction: Engaging in a hobby or watching a film for a while to avoid constant worry.

3. Meaning-Focused Coping

A person uses their beliefs, values, or life goals to give meaning to difficult situations.

 *Spirituality: Finding strength through prayer or religious faith.

 *Altruism: Helping others facing similar difficulties to feel a sense of empowerment.

Classification Based on Impact

In addition to the categories above, psychology also distinguishes these strategies based on whether their impact is healthy or harmful:

Adaptive (Healthy)

Strategies that help a person grow and recover in the long term.

 * Exercise: Channelling stress into positive physical energy.

 * Social Support: Discussing with friends or professionals (such as counsellors) to gain a new perspective.

 * Acceptance: Acknowledging the reality of the situation so one can begin to move forward.

Maladaptive (Less Healthy)

Strategies that provide instant relief but worsen the problem or mental health in the future.

 * Denial: Pretending the problem does not exist.

 * Excessive Escapism: Using drugs, alcohol, or excessive escapism (such as scrolling through social media for hours) to numb oneself.

 *Self-Blame: Constantly blaming oneself, which actually lowers self-esteem.

Choosing the right type of coping usually depends on the context of the problem. Adaptive strategies generally involve a balance between resolving problems that can be changed and soothing emotions regarding things that cannot be controlled.

The waiting phase prevents a person from growing mentally

    Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "The waiting phase prevents a person from growing mentally", the main reason why I choose that topic because not everyone is aware about the phase where they get into it, If we pay attention, those who do not pay attention to the direction in which their life is developing, they tend to enter a waiting phase,  The waiting phase is often a period of uncertainty, yet also a transitional space for growth. Psychologically, this is not merely a pause in time, but a mental state in which a person feels their life is being ‘held back’ by external factors or unresolved decisions.

The following are the factors that cause a person to enter this phase and how psychology views them:

Factors Leading to the Waiting Phase

 *Ambiguity of Purpose: Uncertainty regarding the next step following an achievement (for example, after graduating or completing a major project).

 *External Dependency: Waiting for validation or a decision from another party, such as recruitment results, bureaucratic approval, or a response in an interpersonal relationship.

 *Defence Mechanism (Avoidance): Sometimes, waiting becomes a form of subconscious procrastination to avoid the risk of failure that might occur if they move forward.

 *Lack of Resources: Feeling that one does not yet have sufficient capacity (financial, mental, or skills) to begin the next stage.

Psychological Perspectives on the Waiting Phase

In psychological discourse, this phase is often viewed from several key perspectives:

1. Liminality (The In-Between Space)

The concept of liminality describes the condition of being ‘on the threshold’. A person is no longer in their old position, but has not yet reached the new one. Psychology views this as a crucial transitional period for identity formation, though it is often accompanied by anxiety due to the loss of clear structure.

2. Uncertainty Tolerance

Cognitive psychology highlights how each individual responds to uncertainty. Those with low tolerance tend to experience severe stress and perceive the waiting phase as a threat. Conversely, individuals with high tolerance view it as an opportunity for reflection.

3. Expectancy Theory

According to Victor Vroom, a person’s motivation is heavily influenced by the expectation that their efforts will yield results. During the waiting phase, if the link between ‘effort’ and ‘outcome’ becomes unclear, a person may experience a drastic drop in motivation or even learned helplessness.

4. Existentialism: The Search for Meaning

From the perspective of logotherapy, the waiting phase is a moment in which the individual is tested to find meaning amidst emptiness. Rather than viewing it as wasted time, this approach suggests transforming ‘waiting time’ into ‘preparation time’ to maintain internal control over one’s life.

Important Note: The waiting phase becomes destructive if it turns into total passivity. Psychology suggests continuing to perform ‘Micro-Actions’—small actions that remain under personal control—to maintain mental well-being during this period.

Why do people believe in hope more than reality

    Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "Why do people believe in hope more than reality?, the main reason why I choose that topic because many people are trapped in optimism bias and confirmation bias, The phenomenon whereby people prefer to believe in hope rather than hard facts is often referred to as ‘optimism bias’ or, in cognitive psychology, is closely linked to ‘confirmation bias’. Psychologically and neurologically, people like to feel something different than they usually get, sometimes a feeling of optimism can provide a new outlet to avoid boredom in daily activities.

there are several fundamental reasons why this occurs:

1. Defence Mechanisms

Hope acts as a mental shield against anxiety. Facts are often bitter, cold, and uncontrollable. If people were to live solely on the basis of bleak facts (for example: high unemployment figures or the risk of illness), the human mind could become paralysed by anxiety. Hope provides a sense of illusory control that allows us to continue functioning and acting even when the situation is unfavourable.

2. The Narrative Fallacy

The human brain is wired to prefer stories (narratives) over statistical data. Facts often present themselves as numbers or random realities. Conversely, hope usually takes the form of a narrative with a happy ending. We tend to cast ourselves as the ‘hero’ in our own life story, and a hero must triumph at the end of the story, regardless of the facts encountered along the way.

3. The Theory of Loss Aversion and Wishful Thinking

In behavioural psychology, there is a strong tendency towards Wishful Thinking. We form beliefs based on what is pleasant to imagine, rather than on available evidence. This occurs because:

 *Dopamine: Imagining success or positive outcomes triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, providing an instant sense of comfort.

 *Avoiding Regret: Acknowledging bad facts means having to accept failure or loss, which is emotionally far more painful than clinging to hope.

4. The Backfire Effect

When facts that starkly contradict our beliefs or hopes emerge, the brain often perceives them as a physical threat. Rather than accepting these facts, our nervous system reinforces old beliefs to protect our sense of self. This is why the more someone is confronted with facts that shatter their hopes, the more stubbornly they may cling to those hopes.

5. Evolutionary Value

From an evolutionary perspective, hope is a driving force. Early humans who were ‘too realistic’ might not have dared to migrate over mountains or attempt to hunt larger animals because the facts showed it was dangerous. It was those humans who possessed a touch of ‘irrationality’ in the form of hope who dared to take risks, innovate, and ultimately survive.

> “Facts tell us where we stand, but hope tells us where we can go.”

Philosophically, this is similar to the concept of Amor Fati (loving one’s fate) but with the added element of a desire to transcend that reality. Humans require a certain dose of distortion of reality to avoid falling into existential despair.