A young Hispanic male experiences discrimination, and the counselor says, 'I will help you change your thinking so this will not have such a profound impact on you.' This illustrates which coping approach?

A young Hispanic male experiences discrimination, and the counselor says, 'I will help you change your thinking so this will not have such a profound impact on you.' This illustrates which coping approach?

• A. Alloplastic coping
• B. Autoplastic coping
• C. Eclectic approach
• D. Emic strategy

Answer: (B)

The key idea is distinguishing coping that changes the external world from coping that changes the internal response. Autoplastic coping involves altering one’s internal processes—thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations—to lessen the emotional impact of a stressor. In this case, the counselor aims to shift the client’s thinking so discrimination affects him less, which is exactly changing internal processing. Alloplastic coping would mean changing the external situation (e.g., addressing discrimination directly, seeking policy changes or support services), which isn’t what’s being described here. Eclectic or emic approaches refer to using multiple methods or culturally-centered perspectives, not specifically about internal cognitive change.

The key idea is distinguishing coping that changes the external world from coping that changes the internal response. Autoplastic coping involves altering one’s internal processes—thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations—to lessen the emotional impact of a stressor. In this case, the counselor aims to shift the client’s thinking so discrimination affects him less, which is exactly changing internal processing. Alloplastic coping would mean changing the external situation (e.g., addressing discrimination directly, seeking policy changes or support services), which isn’t what’s being described here. Eclectic or emic approaches refer to using multiple methods or culturally-centered perspectives, not specifically about internal cognitive change.