Coping is a dynamic, ever-changing, long-term process. It refers not only to the cognitive processes involved in understanding and dealing with stressful situations, but also in understanding behavioral and emotional reactions that can provide additional complicating factors. In Chapter 5, three coping strategies are identified: problem-focused, emotion-focused, and emotional-approach coping. Use what you learned about coping and the various coping styles to answer questions about the scenario below.
Amy and her husband, Dale, have been married a little less than a year. This is their first time living together in their own home, and they have been working to renovate their place and make it fit their personalities. The renovation is taking longer than either of them anticipated and is over budget. Dale and Amy have tried to be upbeat about the setbacks, but recently Amy has been arguing with her husband and is beginning to speak poorly of and complain about him to friends and family. Dale is confused about why their relationship is so tense. Amy has difficulty identifying and understanding her own feelings when asked about her marriage, but she refuses to discuss her concerns with her husband. Dale has started to experience feelings of anxiety and depression related to their marital disagreements. Amy and Dale have come to an impasse and need to make a decision about not only their marriage, but their own individual well-being.