Problem-focused coping
Problem-focused coping means that you take direct action with the intent of changing something, making a plan of action to change
the situation. You use a problem-solving technique.
For example, you get your HIV diagnosis, and now you have to look after yourself, your mind and your body. So:
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The problem situation is that you need to stay healthy.
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What can you do to achieve that?
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What are the different options?
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Which of these options apply best to you and which will work?
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You have your solution!
If you are scared to leave your children behind, you can do something about the problem to feel better:
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The problem is planning for your children.
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What can you do about it?
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What are the different things you can do?
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Which of these options apply best to you and will work?
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You have your solution!
This helps you to take control of the situation. You are doing something to change it and cope better. You have control over the
situation.
If you feel other people attach a stigma to HIV and treat you badly because of that:
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Problem: people think negatively about people with HIV.
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What can you do about that?
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What are the possible ways to deal with it?
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Which of these options can work, and you are willing to do?
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You have your solution!
Emotion-focused coping
This type of coping kicks into action when you cannot change a situation. With emotion-focused coping, you are trying to control the
emotional reaction you have about the situation.
Usually, you want to reduce the negative emotions you are experiencing about the situation and want to prevent more pain to yourself.
It includes things like getting a person to change his mind, being badly treated by a friend, not being able to do something you always
wished.
If this happens what can you do to feel better?
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Try to forget about the problem by focusing on other things that make you happy.
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Looking on the brighter side of things: what is good about the situation?
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Talk to someone and accept the understanding you get to feel better about yourself.
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Use your faith to know that God is in control of your life. There is a purpose for why you are going through this.
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Think differently about the problem: what negative thoughts can be changed?
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Withdraw from difficult situations. You need not be in situations that are not good for you. Do not visit a friend who makes
you feel bad about yourself.
HIV
Intervention Programme for the ENHANCEMENT OF CHILDREN'S RESILIENCE
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