Which coping strategies focus on changing a stressful situation?

Problem-focused strategies are designed to tackle the source of stress directly, aiming to change or eliminate the stressful situation itself. This type of coping involves active problem-solving and the taking of steps that can directly address the issue at hand. For example, if someone is stressed due to a heavy workload, employing a problem-focused strategy might involve prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, or discussing workload management with a supervisor.

In contrast, emotion-focused strategies primarily aim at managing the emotional distress that arises from a stressful situation rather than changing the situation itself. Defensive coping techniques involve various psychological defenses that may avoid tackling the root of the issue, and cognitive distortion techniques are focused on altering the way one thinks about a situation instead of changing the situation directly. Thus, problem-focused strategies distinctly emphasize modifying the stressful situation to alleviate stress.