Coping Styles And Psychopathology Literature Review ✓ Solved

Coping Styles and Psychopathology-Literature Review

Coping styles and psychopathology are strongly linked with each other as both domains focus on the ideology of stress. Stress can lead to psychopathology, particularly when healthy coping strategies are not employed. Conversely, unhealthy and avoidant coping styles can exacerbate psychopathological symptoms. Numerous studies have documented the role of coping strategies in mitigating the psychopathological impacts of certain coping styles.

Understanding Coping Styles

Coping styles refer to the methods an individual uses to manage stress. They can be categorized into adaptive or maladaptive strategies. Adaptive coping strategies, such as problem-solving and seeking social support, are generally associated with positive psychological outcomes. In contrast, maladaptive strategies, such as avoidance and denial, can lead to a range of psychological issues, including anxiety and depression.

Connection Between Coping Styles and Psychological Outcomes

Research indicates that individuals who employ poor coping styles are at a higher risk for developing psychopathologies. For example, a study by Sarwar et al. (2020) explored the relationship between coping styles and psychopathology among medical students. The findings suggested that low emotional intelligence correlates with maladaptive coping, leading individuals to develop psychopathological conditions.

Impact of Parental Coping Styles

Jaiswal et al. (2018) examined the coping mechanisms of parents with children who have intellectual disabilities. The study found that parents' coping styles significantly influenced their psychological well-being. The results indicated that those who relied on maladaptive coping skills experienced higher levels of parental stress and emotional difficulties, ultimately affecting their mental health.

Coping Mechanisms in Childhood Illnesses

Bikmazer et al. (2019) focused on children facing malignancies and how both children and parents employed coping strategies. Their study showed that religious coping could foster resilience in children, whereas maladaptive coping strategies correlated with worse psychological outcomes. This highlights the importance of teaching effective coping mechanisms to enhance both child and family well-being.

Adolescent Coping Styles

A study conducted by Schnieder et al. (2018) showcased the maladaptive coping strategies prevalent among adolescents, particularly those exhibiting symptoms of internet gaming disorder. The results indicated a strong link between reliance on maladaptive coping (such as denial) and the development of psychiatric issues. This emphasizes the need for targeting coping strategies in adolescents to mitigate the rising trends of mental health concerns.

Nightmares, Coping, and Psychopathology

Another insightful investigation by Schagen et al. (2016) assessed the relationship between nightmares and coping styles in a diverse psychiatric population. The study revealed considerable differences in coping strategies, where maladaptive coping was associated with increased psychological distress. This underscores the importance of addressing maladaptive coping mechanisms to improve overall mental health.

Implications for Future Research

Given the myriad ways coping styles influence psychopathology, a deeper understanding and exploration of adaptive coping mechanisms are essential. Future research should aim to develop targeted interventions that promote adaptive coping strategies across various populations, including adolescents and parents. Moreover, understanding the contextual factors, such as socioeconomic status and community support, can further enhance the development of effective coping skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the literature strongly suggests that coping styles play a critical role in the development and maintenance of psychopathology. Effective coping mechanisms are crucial for reducing psychological distress and enhancing emotional resilience. Addressing and improving coping strategies across different demographics may provide significant benefits in mental health interventions and decrease overall psychopathological symptoms.

References

• Bikmazer, A., Orengul, A., Buyukdeniz, A., Okur, F., Gokdemir, Y., & Perdahli Fis, N. (2019). Coping and psychopathology in children with malignancy and bronchiectasis. Pediatric Pulmonology, 55(1).
• Jaiswal, S. V., Subramanyam, A. A., Shah, H. R., & Kamath, R. M. (2018). Psychopathology and coping mechanisms in parents of children with intellectual disability. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(3), 312–317.
• Maftei, A., & Enea, V. (2020). Symptoms of internet gaming disorder and parenting styles in Romanian adolescents. Psihologija, 53(3).
• Sarwar, N., Abid, S., Sarwar Khan, G., & Sarwar, A. (2020). Relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Coping Styles, and Psychopathology among Medical Students in District Peshawar. International Research Journal of Science and Technology, 88-95.
• Schagen, A., Lancee, J., Swart, M., Spoormaker, V., & van den Bout, J. (2016). Nightmare Disorder, Psychopathology Levels, and Coping in a Diverse Psychiatric Sample. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(1), 65-75.
• Schnieder, J., King, D., & Delfabro, P. (2018). Maladaptive Coping Styles in Adolescents with Gaming Disorder Symptoms. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.