What type of coping strategy might someone use when trying to actively solve a stressor?

The correct answer is based on the concept of problem-focused coping, which involves actively addressing and tackling the source of stress directly. This type of strategy is characterized by efforts to understand the stressor, generate solutions, and implement those solutions to reduce or eliminate the stressor's impact. For instance, if someone is feeling stressed due to an impending deadline at work, a problem-focused approach might involve creating a detailed schedule, breaking the task into manageable parts, or seeking assistance from colleagues.

In contrast, other coping strategies differ in their approach. Emotion-focused coping, for example, is more about managing the emotional response to the stressor rather than dealing with the stressor itself. It's useful when the stressor is unavoidable. Avoidant coping involves diverting attention away from the stressor, which may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Adaptive coping refers to approaches that promote adaptation to stress, which can include aspects of both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping but does not specifically pertain to actively solving the stressor itself.

Understanding the distinction between these strategies helps clarify why problem-focused coping is the most appropriate choice when considering active solutions to a stressor.