Coping Beats Hoping

"Stress is an unavoidable part of life, and how we respond to it can make all the difference. In training peer support teams-employees who assist coworkers during times of crisis-one exercise consistently reveals a surprising truth: Most people can name only about four coping strategies. This is concerning given that 83% of U.S. workers report experiencing workplace stress, and nearly 76% say stress negatively impacts their relationships (American Institute of Stress)."

"Beyond the limited number of coping strategies, a deeper concern emerges: the reliance on what I call "hoping skills." These are mental habits that masquerade as stress management but offer little real relief. Hoping skills include: Suppressing unwanted thoughts, wishing they would disappear. Clinging to ineffective strategies, hoping they will magically work this time. Research shows that thought suppression can sometimes reduce anxiety, but when used as the sole strategy, it often leads to rebound effects and heightened stress (Wenzlaff & Wegner, Psychological Bulletin)."

"As we age, hobbies and interests become more than leisure; they become essential coping tools. Engaging in meaningful activities: Fosters resilience by providing a sense of accomplishment. Promotes mental health through creativity and social connection. Counters isolation, which can amplify stress in later years. A 2023 Nature Medicine study involving 93,000 older adults across 16 countries found that those with hobbies reported better health, higher"

Many people know only a few coping strategies and often rely on passive "hoping skills" such as thought suppression or repeating ineffective tactics. Thought suppression can briefly reduce anxiety but frequently causes rebound effects and greater stress, so intentional, active coping is necessary. Hobbies and meaningful interests serve as vital coping tools across life by fostering resilience, accomplishment, creativity, social connection, and reducing isolation. Large-scale evidence links hobbies with better health in older adults. With high workplace stress and relational impacts, expanding practical coping repertoires and encouraging purposeful activities is urgent.

Read at Psychology Today