What does dyadic coping involve in response to stress?

• A. Supportive communication
• B. All of the above
• C. Shared problem-solving
• D. Comforting behaviors

Answer: (B)

Dyadic coping is how couples handle stress together as a pair, coordinating thoughts, feelings, and actions instead of dealing with it in isolation. This involves supportive communication—expressing empathy, validating each other’s feelings, and offering reassurance; shared problem-solving—tackling the stress together by identifying the problem, brainstorming options, and dividing tasks; and comforting behaviors—expressions of warmth, physical closeness, and soothing words that help reduce distress. When all of these elements come into play, the couple is engaging in dyadic coping. For example, a couple facing a financial setback might talk openly about fears (supportive communication), work together to create a budget and plan (shared problem-solving), and provide each other hugs and comforting reassurance (comforting behaviors). That’s why “all of the above” best captures what dyadic coping entails.