In contrast, avoidant coping includes withdrawal
or distancing oneself from a problematic situation, which
may in turn lead to ineffective efforts to reduce distress
(Curry and Russ 1985) and stress-related psychological issues
(Herman-Stahl et al. 1994).
Although coping styles demonstrate long-term stability,
some research suggests they may be malleable with intervention
(Nielsen and Knardahl 2014). When exposed to
challenging situations over time, research commonly suggests
that individuals are consistent in their coping style, and
therefore, one’s response to difficult experiences has significant
implications for mental health and well-being (Ebata
and Moos 1991). However, forms of coping are also malleable
with targeted interventions. Stewart et al. (2009) developed an
intervention to optimize homeless youths’ social coping. Prior
to the intervention, youth reported utilizing coping styles that
included substance use, avoidance, and violence, but participation
in the program was associated with youths’ increased
coping skills, particularly enhancing support-seeking
behaviors (Stewart et al. 2009). These results highlight that,
while coping styles may remain stable over time and thus can
affect outcomes, programs that facilitate prosocial behaviors
and tools to manage stressful situations can also change coping
among vulnerable populations.