Coping refers to the actions taken by individuals to manage stress and navigate challenging situations. According to R. S. Lazarus and S. Folkman, coping involves constant efforts to address external and internal demands perceived as overwhelming or exceeding one’s resources. It is viewed as a dynamic process that evolves over time.

The coping process is shaped by cognitive appraisal, influenced by an individual’s values, ego strength, education, and unique behavioral style. Coping strategies can generally be categorized into problem-centered coping, which involves addressing and resolving the underlying issues causing distress, and emotion-centered coping, which focuses on regulating emotional responses to stressors. These coping mechanisms interact to process emotions stemming from stressful stimuli. Effective coping fosters personal growth, while ineffective coping exacerbates stress and diminishes vitality.

Various resources, such as financial stability, positive beliefs, problem-solving abilities, social skills, and social support, serve as foundations for coping and contribute to its effectiveness.

Nursing professionals play a crucial role in supporting individuals in coping with stress by applying their knowledge and employing appropriate techniques in diverse situations.

• Japan Academy of Nursing Science, Nursing Academic Terminology Review Committee (Ed.). (1995). Nursing academic terminology (4th Academic Terminology Review Committee). Japan Academy of Nursing Science.
• Kato, T. (2008). Interpersonal stress coping handbook: How to cope with stress in human relationships. Nakanishiya Publishing.
• Lazarus, R. S. (1990). Stress and coping: An invitation to Lazarus theory (Hayashi, S., Ed. & Trans.). Seiwa Shoten.
• Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1991). Psychology of stress: Research on cognitive evaluation and coping (Motoaki, H., Haruki, Y., & Oda, M., Trans.). Jitsugyo Publishing.