Which of the following statements made by an abusive family member in a counseling session indicates that the individual has learned positive coping skills?

Question

1. "I feel more prepared to care for my father now that I know where to go for assistance."
2. "I am so sorry I lost control; it will never happen again."
3. "From now on I will make sure that my father's needs are met."
4. "Now that I realize I treated my father unfairly, I will change my ways."

Answer 1

1
Rationale: Caring for an older adult at home can cause the family to become frustrated, overextended, and financially depleted. Knowing where to go in the community for assistance with caregiving can bring significant relief and, as a result, reduce violence. Outlining a specific plan for how to handle stressful caregiving shows that the caregiver has developed some effective coping skills. Realizing the unfairness of the treatment does not guarantee that the individual has a realistic, appropriate, and specific plan in place on how to cope with the stressors of caregiving. Saying that the abuse will never happen again does not indicate that the person has a specific plan in place to ensure that it does not happen again. Similarly, making sure that all of the father's needs are met is vague and unrealistic and does not present positive coping skills that the person has to deal with the demands of care.