Positive and Negative Coping Skills People react differently to stressful situations. Following is a list of what would be considered "positive" responses. **First print out the following form, then check off the appropriate response for each of these. If there are other positive ways that you deal with stress, please list them at the bottom of the list. Response | NEVER | SOMETIMES | OFTEN |
Meditate |
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Stretch |
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Engage in progressive muscle relaxation |
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Listen to music |
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Exercise aerobically |
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Watch television |
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Go to the movies |
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Read |
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Work on puzzles or play games |
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Go for a leisurely walk |
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Go to a health club |
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Relax in a steam room or sauna |
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Spend time alone |
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Go fishing or hunting |
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Participate in some form of recreational activity |
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such as golf |
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Do some work in the yard |
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Socialize with friends |
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Sit outside and relax |
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Engage in a hobby |
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Listed below are some negative ways of reacting to stress. Check off the appropriate column for each of these. If there are other negative ways you react to stress, list these at the bottom of the list. Response | Never | Sometimes | Often |
Act violently |
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Yell at someone |
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Overeat |
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Do not eat for long periods |
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Drink for excessive amount of alcohol |
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Drink lots of coffee |
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Smoke tobacco |
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Kick something |
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Throw something |
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Drive fast in a car |
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Pace up and down |
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Bite your fingernails |
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Take tranquilizers |
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Take valium or other drugs |
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You should compare the number of positive and negative responses. If your negative responses outnumber your positive responses, you have reason to be concerned about your stress level. You will need to try some of the positive responses in an attempt to reduce your level of stress. Modified from Anspaugh DJ, Hamrick MH, Rosato FD: Wellness: concepts and applications, St. Louis, 1991, Mosby. |