Psychology of Stress and Coping
The psychology of stress and coping has been a prominent topic of scientific study and of popular interest over the last century. Applying the study of the mind and behavior to a concept such as stress and coping has led to an evolving definition of stress, more research on its physical, psychological and social effects, and the development of comprehensive ways in which individuals cope with stress. Our understanding of how individuals cope with stress has advanced to include perception of one’s ability to cope, approach to coping, assessment and utilization of coping resources available, and enacting of strategies. We review the psychology of stress and coping as it presents itself in the current evolving research and theoretical development, documenting historical, theoretical, and methodological perspectives on stress and coping. In so doing, we will provide sources and commentary on the definitions of stress, main theories of stress, categories of stressors, consequences of stress, definitions of coping, main theories of coping, coping styles and strategies, assessment of coping, descriptions of coping processes, coping functions and goals, coping resources, and coping and stress management interventions. We would like to acknowledge Samantha Lee for her assistance with this project.