Avoidant coping is best described as what type of response to stressors?

Avoidant coping is characterized by a response to stressors that involves ignoring, forgetting, or hiding the stressor. This type of coping strategy often leads individuals to distance themselves from the very issues that are causing stress, rather than facing them head-on. By opting to avoid the stressor, individuals may temporarily reduce their anxiety or discomfort, but this approach can prevent them from effectively addressing the underlying problems.

In contrast, confronting the issue directly involves a more proactive approach that seeks to resolve the stressor rather than sidestepping it. Analyzing the problem thoroughly represents a cognitive engagement with the stressor that promotes understanding and problem-solving. Seeking support from others entails reaching out to friends, family, or professionals for help, which is a strategy designed to provide emotional or practical assistance in coping with stress. All these alternative responses involve active engagement with the stressor, making them distinct from avoidant coping.