Christopher works as a financial analyst in an investment firm. Because several of his colleagues recently resigned from the firm, he has had to take over extra responsibilities. His manager notices that Christopher has started smoking heavily and often gets irritable with his coworkers. What kind of strain is Christopher experiencing? If you were his manager, what kind of coping mechanism would you prefer that he use to cope with the stress?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student answers will vary but should demonstrate understanding of behavioral strains and potential coping mechanisms. A sample answer follows.

Christopher is experiencing behavioral strains. Behavioral strains are unhealthy behaviors such as grinding one's teeth at night, being overly critical and bossy, excessive smoking, compulsive gum chewing, overuse of alcohol, and compulsive eating. The coping strategy that Christopher uses will ultimately have important implications for how effectively he can meet or adapt to the different stressors that he faces. A manager would most likely want subordinates to cope with the stress of heavy workload by using a problem-focused strategy-working harder-rather than an emotion-focused strategy-leaving work several hours early to create distance from the stressor. Students' answers to the last part of the question will vary.