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Original Article

Effects of Different Coping Strategies on the Psychological and Physiological Stress Reaction

An Experimental Study

Published Online:October 08, 2020https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000056

Abstract

Abstract.Background: Research over the last few decades has shown that high demands can lead to stress. However, high demands do not lead to stress per se as it depends on how an individual copes with demands. There is a lack of experimental studies that test the effectiveness of different coping strategies on stress. Aims: Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of different coping strategies (focus on positives, support coping, active coping, evasive coping) on the psychological (perceived stress intensity, emotional response) and physiological (heart rate variability) stress reaction with the use of an experimental design. Method: Participants (N = 55) were randomized into four experimental groups and one control group. Prior to a stress induction, coping strategies were manipulated within the experimental groups. Results: The results of a 5 × 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that focus on positives and active coping led to a lower psychological stress reaction compared to evasive coping. There was no significant difference between the coping conditions with regard to the physiological stress reaction. Conclusion: It can be assumed that focus on positives and active coping lead to a less threatening appraisal of the situation and, thus, to a lower psychological stress reaction.

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