From Coping with Stress to Positive Coping with Life: Theoretical Review and Application

Abstract

This paper is a review and analysis of the theoretical evolution of the concept of coping with stress to a more positive way of coping, as well as an example of application. The main results of an integrated research in three phases about the nature and practice of a more positive coping with life are presented (Góngora-Coronado, 2010). The first phase is to explore its nature in a qualitative manner. A second phase is to study the relationship of direct-reappraisal coping (Góngora-Coronado, 2000; Reyes-Lagunes, 2011), with happiness, mindfulness and spirituality, which are positive variables, to explore their nature more accurately, and a third phase, is for the exercise and practice of a more positive coping, with an intervention program. The participants for each phase were: phase 1:50; phase 2:306; and phase 3:32. Relevant instruments, psychometrically valid in the context of culture, were applied. The results in each of the phases provide information about the nature of a more positive coping, as well as the benefits of its systematized practice. It concludes with the importance of linking theory with practice for a more positive coping and a happier life.