ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates the function of avoidant coping for specific clinical groups in dealing with stressful situations. Coping processes that are used in response to stress are important in understanding physical or psychological health. The classification of coping styles, according to approach or avoidance behaviors, is also found in the studies on adults. This classification is based on the conviction that avoidant coping and poor adjustment are correlated with one another. While adolescents struggle to disengage themselves from their parents, they become more involved with their peers. This sometimes includes engaging in high-risk activities that adversely affect health and adjustment. Much impulsive, risk-taking behavior occurs in the context of adolescent social activities, either as a central goal of adolescent social activity or as an outgrowth of initially more benign activities. Although some coping strategies serve protective functions by reducing a stressor's negative effects, others exacerbate the effects of stress and thus represent additional risk factors.
