Positive and Negative Coping Skills

People react differently to stressful situations. Following is a list of what would be considered "positive" responses.

**First print out the following form, then check off the appropriate response for each of these. If there are other positive ways that you deal with stress, please list them at the bottom of the list.

Listed below are some negative ways of reacting to stress. Check off the appropriate column for each of these. If there are other negative ways you react to stress, list these at the bottom of the list.

You should compare the number of positive and negative responses. If your negative responses outnumber your positive responses, you have reason to be concerned about your stress level. You will need to try some of the positive responses in an attempt to reduce your level of stress.

Modified from Anspaugh DJ, Hamrick MH, Rosato FD: Wellness: concepts and applications, St. Louis, 1991, Mosby.