coping mechanisms

Last reviewed 01/2018

Coping strategies may be adaptive or maladaptive.

Potentially adaptive strategies include:

  • avoiding situations which bring back memories of the stressful event
  • working through the events and the consequences
  • coming to terms with the events

Maladaptive strategies include:

  • substance abuse, often alcohol
  • histrionic behaviour
  • aggression
  • deliberate self-harm