The techniques of coping with stress are as follow : (1) Task (problem) Oriented Technique. (2) Emotion Oriented Technique. (3) Ego Defensive Technique.
Task (problem) Oriented Technique : In this technique, the individual deals directly with the stressor demand. Here, the adjustive mechanism may be through over behaviour or a psychological process. To achieve realistic adjustment is the objective of these reactions. Based on the objective assessment of stress, the individual puts efforts to cope stress by adopting logical and constructive course of actions for example – by changing oneself or the surrounding. These techniques may be external also, such as - improving the environment of study or internal also, like - change one's own attitude.
There are three techniques in this category : Dealing with the problem head long (remove the threat object, source of the problem, weaken the influence of the obstacle or destroy it.) While dealing with the stress problem directly, the person at the outset has to make an appraisal of the damage making ability of the stressful situations. For example : a student who has failed in the exam, will work hard again to pass.
(ii) Withdrawing from the problem situation (withdraw from the threatening situation. Compromise. discussion etc.) In this technique a person tries to escape or withdraw from the situation to handle the stress problem. For example : a student who has failed in exam will either stop giving exam or leave study.
(iii) Some other mechanisms (to resist the stress and tension to enhance one's fighting and resistance ability or to reduce the strength of the stressor) When a person does not accept the technique of head long confrontation or withdraw, he accepts the path of compromise. For example : la student who has failed and can not study will try his hands in music or sports.
(2) Emotion Oriented Technique : In this technique, a person does not change the stress situation, rather he tries to change his own thoughts and emotions. This approach is not problem oriented approach, it is a remedial approach. In this technique, there is emphasis on relieving the emotional impact of stress. Self-control and emotional regulation are more important in this technique. For example : Controlling anxiety, frustration, anger and other emotional reactions or trying to change these emotions, some people go to party or movie or watch TV. Many people whistle or laugh or over eat when they are anxious or engage in day dreaming. When they feel helpless. Such technique may not solve the problem, but helps people to relieve stress for short period.
(3) Ego Defensive Technique In this type of technique, a person tries to protect himself psychologically from emotional hurt and self-devaluation. These techniques are learned responses which tend to operate on habitual and unconscious level. For example repression, denial, rationalization, projection etc. are such ego defense mechanism which are self deceptive and far from reality. These techniques protect the individual from internal worries and pain but leads to a distorted interpretation of the reality. The overuse of such mechanism leads to maladaptation or maladjustment. The primary objective of this mechanism is to cushion failure, reduce anxiety, repair emotional hurt and thus maintain person's feelings of adequacy and worth and protects one's feeling of being useful.