Emotion-focused coping primarily aims to:

Emotion-focused coping primarily aims to manage emotional reactions to stress. This type of coping involves strategies that help individuals address the feelings and emotional responses that arise from stressful situations rather than attempting to change the stressor itself. For instance, someone might use techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or seeking comfort from friends to process their feelings, thereby reducing emotional distress.

Instead of trying to eliminate or confront the source of stress—which is the focus of problem-focused coping—emotion-focused strategies provide ways to deal with the emotional fallout from stressors. This approach can be particularly beneficial in scenarios where the stressor is beyond one’s control or cannot be directly altered, such as dealing with illness or loss. By managing emotional reactions, individuals can achieve a better emotional state, which can also improve overall well-being and lead to more effective coping in the long run.