assimilative coping

a stress-management strategy in which a person actively tries to transform a situation in such a way that it conforms to his or her goals and aspirations. Examples of assimilative coping include asking for another person’s help or acquiring a new problem-solving skill. Such attempts at modifying the environment are particularly evident during the initial stage of coping and are intended to avoid or diminish actual or anticipated losses. This type of coping strategy generally dominates as long as people feel actively able to change the situation or to enact efficient compensatory or self-regulatory interventions. In the event these efforts fail, an accommodative coping strategy may be adopted instead. [identified in 1990 by Jochen Brandtstädter and Gerolf Renner, German psychologists]

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Psychology term of the day

January 31st 2025

prepuce

n. a covering fold of skin, especially the skin covering the glans penis (see foreskin) in males and the clitoris (see clitoral hood) in females. Also called preputium. —preputial adj.