Question 37

Watching a funny movie to distract a person who is feeling anxiety demonstrates emotion-focused coping.

Emotion-focused coping involves strategies that aim to manage emotional distress rather than addressing the source of stress directly. Watching a funny movie serves as a distraction and can help alleviate feelings of anxiety by inducing laughter and positive emotions.

A) Watching a funny movie to distract a person who is feeling anxiety

This option is correct because it illustrates a classic example of emotion-focused coping. By choosing to watch a funny movie, the individual is not confronting the underlying cause of their anxiety but instead is seeking to reduce their emotional discomfort through humor and distraction.

B) Practicing dance steps to learn a new dance routine

This option is incorrect because it represents a problem-focused coping strategy. Practicing dance steps is an active approach to improve a skill and does not primarily aim to alleviate emotional distress, rather it focuses on mastering a task.

C) Studying regularly for an upcoming exam

This choice is also incorrect as it exemplifies problem-focused coping. Studying is a proactive measure taken to address the anxiety related to exam performance, aiming to resolve the source of stress rather than managing the emotional response to it.

D) Running each day to prepare for a marathon

This option is incorrect as well because it demonstrates problem-focused coping. Running is a preparatory activity aimed at achieving a specific goal (completing a marathon) and does not primarily seek to alleviate emotional distress associated with other factors.

Conclusion

In summary, watching a funny movie is the only option that aligns with emotion-focused coping by providing immediate relief from emotional distress through distraction and humor. The other options focus on addressing the source of stress rather than managing the emotional experience, thereby categorizing them as problem-focused coping strategies.