Which term describes the process of partners coping together with stress?

• A. Dyadic coping
• B. Individual coping
• C. Avoidant coping
• D. Reactive coping

Answer: (A)

Dyadic coping is how couples cope with stress together. It involves both partners recognizing that the stress affects the relationship, talking openly about its impact, and using joint strategies—sharing the load, offering emotional support, and solving problems together. This collaborative process is what sets it apart from individual coping, where one person handles stress alone, and from avoidant coping, which involves avoiding or withdrawing from the stress. Reactive coping focuses on responses after stress arises, but it doesn’t inherently describe the joint, interactive process of coping as a couple.