Stress is a factor in many modern illnesses. The development of coping skills to deal with stress is an occupational therapy goal for many patients.
Uniform terminology (Hopkins & Smith, 1983) defines situational coping as the skill ancl performance to handle stress and deal with problems in a manner that is functional to self and others. This includes:
* Setting goals and managing activities of daily living to promote optimal performance.
* Testing goals and perceptions against reality.
* Perceiving changes and need for changes in self and the environment.
* Directing and redirecting energy to overcome problems.
* Initiating, implementing, and following through with decisions.
* Assuming responsibility for self and consequences of actions.
* Interacting with others: dyadic and group.