Jennifer is a 29-year-old administrative assistant married to Antonio, an Italian engineer, whom Jennifer met four years earlier while on a business trip for her marketing company. The couple now lives in Nebraska, where Antonio works for the county's transportation department and Jennifer commutes an hour each way to her marketing office. They have been trying to start a family for over a year. Eight months ago, Jennifer miscarried in her second month of pregnancy. Antonio's parents love Jennifer and often ask her if she is expecting again, hoping to encourage her to focus on her next baby. Jennifer's mother passed away two years ago and her father's health is rapidly deteriorating. Jennifer faces the probability of placing her father in a skilled nursing care facility within the next few months, against his wishes.
At work, Jennifer runs a tight ship. She is organized and prepares lists to assure that everything is done according to schedule. Everyone counts on Jennifer and she takes pride in never letting people down.
Jennifer has visited her physician numerous times in the last six months, complaining of headaches, backaches, and indigestion. Jennifer insists that she is happy and is not feeling stressed, yet she finds herself making more mistakes at work, unable to keep up with housework, and feeling tired and overwhelmed; she has begun to question her effectiveness as an employee, wife, daughter, and potential mother. Her pains seem to be increasing, but her doctor cannot find a physical cause for her discomfort.
What defensive coping methods is Michael or Jennifer using? What active coping
methods might be healthier for Michael or Jennifer to use? Explain why you
would recommend these methods.
That is a very interesting question. When you have answered it we will be happy to give you further input.
These sites may help you to work on it.
http://changingminds.org/explanations/behaviors/coping/coping.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coping_skill
You can find further information here:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=coping+mechanisms&btnG=Google+Search
This is plagiarized from University of Pheonix, PSY210. You may want to consider removing it.
Based on the information provided, it appears that both Jennifer and her husband Antonio may be using defensive coping methods to deal with their current challenges. Jennifer, in particular, seems to be experiencing physical symptoms that cannot be attributed to any physical cause, which can be a sign of psychological distress being expressed through somatic symptoms. This suggests that she may be using defense mechanisms as a way to cope with her stressors.
One possible defensive coping mechanism that Jennifer may be utilizing is denial. Despite experiencing multiple challenges in her life, such as the miscarriage, her father's deteriorating health, and the pressure from Antonio's parents to have a child, Jennifer insists that she is happy and not feeling stressed. This denial mechanism allows her to avoid confronting the emotional pain and stress associated with these difficulties.
Jennifer's high level of perfectionism and need to never let people down may also be a defense mechanism called overcompensation. By being organized and always prepared, Jennifer may be trying to control her environment and create a sense of stability to counterbalance the uncertainty and stress in her life. However, this overcompensation can become overwhelming and contribute to her feeling tired and overwhelmed.
On the other hand, healthier active coping methods would involve addressing the underlying sources of stress and finding constructive ways to manage them. It is important for Jennifer and Antonio to openly communicate with each other about their desires and expectations regarding starting a family. They may also consider seeking couples therapy or support groups to help them navigate their grief and the challenges they are facing.
Regarding Jennifer's physical symptoms, it may be helpful for her to explore the emotional and psychological factors contributing to her discomfort. Therapy or counseling can provide her with a safe space to express her feelings, understand the connection between her emotions and physical symptoms, and develop healthier ways of coping with stress.
In terms of Jennifer's responsibilities at work and at home, it is important for her to establish realistic expectations and prioritize her well-being. She may benefit from delegating tasks, seeking assistance from coworkers or family members, and practicing self-care activities such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and hobbies that bring her joy and relaxation.
Overall, recommending healthier coping methods for Jennifer and Antonio involves addressing the emotional aspects of their challenges, seeking support, and developing effective strategies for managing stress. By actively addressing their stressors, expressing emotions, and seeking professional help when needed, they can work towards healthier coping mechanisms and improve their overall well-being.