Active coping is best described as:

• A. Change a stressor
• B. Accept the stressor without response
• C. Ignore the stressor
• D. Cognitive reframing only

Answer: (A)

Active coping involves taking direct steps to change the stressor or its consequences rather than just enduring it. This means you actively problem-solve, plan, seek information, mobilize resources, or negotiate changes to the situation. For example, if you’re overwhelmed by a deadline, active coping would be organizing tasks, setting a schedule, prioritizing steps, or asking for an extension if needed. Accepting the stress without response and ignoring it are passive approaches that leave the stressor unaddressed. Cognitive reframing is a mental strategy to view the situation differently, but when used alone it doesn’t change the external stressor, so it doesn’t capture active, problem-focused coping.