Abstract
This paper examines how, during the Vietnam War, soldiers were not exposed to the traditional coping mechanisms of our American society, as illustrated in Tim O?Brien?s "The Things They Carried". It looks at how these men were forced to discover and invent new ways to deal with the pressures of war, using only the resources they had in the Vietnamese jungle. It was not possible for any soldier to carry many items or burdens with them, but if something was a necessity, a way was found to carry it, and coping mechanisms were a necessity to survive the war.

From the Paper
"The conditions of war can be enough to drive a person to the edge of insanity, causing him or her to need something personal to bring them back to reality. They were in the war twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and the securities that each soldier had were the only things that kept them sane. Lt. Jimmy Cross repeatedly had thoughts and visions of Martha, left at home. He would read the letters she sent him and wonder about her as a tactic to keep him connected with the real world and the life he had left."

Tags:martha, vietnam, war, jimmy, cross

Abstract
This paper addresses the various coping techniques that individuals can employ when dealing with cancer themselves or dealing with a loved one who has the disease. Moreover, this paper also addresses how a diagnosis of cancer can dramatically change not only the life of the person with cancer but the lives of those who love and care about him or her as well.

From the Paper
"According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Half of all men and one-third of all women in the U.S. will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Today, millions of people are living with cancer or have had cancer. The numbers are dismal; according to most statistical data American's possess almost a fifty percent chance of developing cancer. With these alarming statistics it is unfortunate and inevitable that almost everyone will have to in some way or another learn how face and cope with the depressing hardships and obstacles of cancer. Whether an individual is diagnosed personally with cancer or a friend or family member is, it seems as though all of us at some point in time may have to learn coping mechanisms for this illness."

Tags:illness, milignant, tumor, diagnosis, life, change, cope, self, efficacy, financial, support, family, hospice

Abstract
The paper notes that hurricane Katrina disrupted lives unlike other natural disasters and comments that the effects of Katrina are ongoing and have resulted in permanent changes in many people's lives. The paper presents the rationale and methods for conducting a study that assesses the types and effectiveness of coping methods used by seniors, aged 60-70 in the New Orleans area. The paper highlights that the sample population for this study differs from similar studies conducted in the aftermath of Katrina, as it examines those that evacuated and then returned to rebuild. The paper discusses clues to coping mechanisms that can help other survivors of traumatic events to better cope with such an ordeal.

Outline:
Background of the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study to Leadership
Nature of the Study
Hypothesis and Research Questions
Conceptual Framework
Assumptions
Scope, Limitations and Delimitations
Summary
Theoretical Background
What Determines Resilience?
Positive Emotions and Resiliency
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Resiliency
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Coping Abilities
Expectancy Theory and Resiliency
Leadership Theories and Resiliency
What is known about coping strategies?
Other Variables that May Affect the Study
Disaster Response
Conclusion
Research Method and Design Appropriateness
Sample Population
Research Instrument
Data Collection
Internal Validity
External Validity
Data Analysis
Summary

From the Paper
"Older people may have difficulty meeting the documentation requirements due to age related difficulties. In addition, their special needs status group is disproportionately affected by any mass disaster. People recovering from Hurricane Katrina developed problems coping with the remnants of the disaster. According to a study done by UCLA, federal officials estimate that 500,000 people are in need of mental health services because of Hurricane Katrina. The onset of mental problems emerged in the New Orleans area, as people who managed to take care of themselves prior to the hurricane found themselves dependent upon social programs."

Tags:using, nonparametric, methods, self-reporting, instrument, reliability, ability

Abstract
This essay states that the Lazarus' model is a very concise theory that explains how individuals try to make sense of a stressful situation from the initial impact of the event forward. It details the primary and secondary appraisals implemented to assess the event and promotes the idea that coping resources held by the individual affected are utilized to assist in overcoming the experience. Through personal experience, the author shows that overall, the Lazarus Model provided a clear understanding of the experience and the coping mechanisms used, either consciously or unconsciously to cope with trauma.

Outline:
Description of the Incident
Description of My Emotional Experience
How Lazurus' Model Helps Make Sense of This Experience
The Aspects of My Experience Lazarus' Model Fails to Explain
How Lazarus' Model Could be Modified to Fit My Experience
Conclusion

From the Paper
"When assessing my coping resources via the secondary appraisal phase in Lazarus' model, I discovered my coping mechanisms were quite healthy. I was able to take control of the situation and the stressors involved by realizing that future harm of this nature could be avoided by ending the toxic relationship I was in. Further, I realized the challenges faced by experiencing such a trauma could be turned into positive benefits, as from this negative transaction, I received all the strength and knowledge I could glean from this experience."

Tags:theory, impact, appraisals, experience, conscious, trauma

Abstract
In 'Coping Strategies Used by the Relatives of People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder', Stengler, Wenzke, Trosbach, Dietrich, and Angermeyer (2004) collectively conducted a qualitative study of the coping mechanisms employed by the family members of individuals who suffer from OCD. This essay attempts to understand as fully as possible the burden that is placed on those individuals in caring for OCD victims both in the sense of responsibility but also psychosocial ramifications.

Tags:qualitative, ground, theory

Abstract
The paper discusses how the trials and tribulations of war are harrowing and traumatic to those involved, especially to those soldiers on the front lines of battle. The paper explains that to deal with disturbing images, memories, and psychological stresses of war, during and after service, many of those in the military have turned to drugs (including nicotine) and alcohol as a coping mechanism.

From the Paper
"No one can argue that the trials and tribulations of war are harrowing and traumatic to those involved, especially to those soldiers on the front lines of battle. To deal with disturbing images, memories, and psychological stresses of war, during and after service, many of those in the military have turned to drugs (including nicotine) and alcohol as a coping mechanism."

Tags:alcohol, drugs, military

Abstract
The paper reveals that poor women who are parenting and pregnant under stressful conditions may be susceptible to higher levels of chronic stress, mental illness, physical illness as well as low birth weight and premature babies. The paper presents a study on the unique stressors and coping mechanisms experienced by poor rural women. The paper outlines the methodology of this study; its research questions, coding and analysis, results and the coping mechanisms identified.

Outline:
Defining Rural Hassles
Methodology

From the Paper
"Maternal stress has been identified as a significant factor causing increased risk for prematurity and low birth weight among African-American women (Hogue & Bremmer, 2005; Copper, Godlenburg, das, Elder, Swain, Norman, Ramsey, Cotoreneo, Collins, Johnson, Jones & Meir, 1996). National data indicates that African American women are at higher risk for infant mortality and low birth weight babies than Caucasian or Latino women (United States Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2002).
"A high level of chronic stress caused by daily and persistent hassles is a significant problem for rural underserved women as it can lead to chronic psychological distress and long-term health problems. Reding & Wijnberg, (2001) assert that chronic stressors can impose a more serious long-term impact on health than more acute stressors. Therefore, better understanding the needs of this population can improve the well being of this population and their families and aid in their empowerment."

Tags:stress, illness, birth, weight, support

Abstract
This paper discusses some of the difficulties that a person with Asperger's syndrome and their families face. It presents a case study scenario of a person with the syndrome and discusses how difficult the parents of the child with Asperger's found it to cope. The paper discusses the symptoms and the suspected causes of the syndrome and then focuses on treatment options and ways for affected people to cope. The paper contains some original sources.

Table of Contents:
Asperger's Syndrome
Symptoms
Suspected Causes
Screening and Diagnosis
Treatment
Support and Coping
Social Skills Taught - How?
Obsessions to Talents
Asperger's Syndrome Conspiracy?

From the Paper
"Asperger's syndrome student may function on or above grade level in academic subjects, albeit, their behavioral quirks may inhibit their success. Along with a supportive learning environment, support through visual aids (e.g., schedules, charts, signs, and lists) may benefit these students. Visual aids generally prove useful in facilitating transitions. They also help redirect and refocus students who experience problems staying on task. Task organizers may also help students progress through their tasks. These task organizers, which function similar to methods used in cookbook recipes, can be reviewed prior to doing an activity. The facilitator needs to ensure a student has necessary materials to complete the activity, and then guide the student through the activity. Pre-teaching this way not only enables students to more readily engage in lessons with their classmates but helps them remain on task. (Zager & Shamow, 2005, p. 320)."

Tags:diagnosis, autism, development, society, disability

Abstract
This paper discusses and analyzes the relationship between strategies, techniques and coping skills and how these skills may advance the quality of life of veterans afflicted with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The paper begins by defining the disorder and then analyzes the literature with regards to coping management of the disorder. The paper concludes that a more holistic approach to PTSD is needed than was previously applied to it.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1.
Introduction
Preamble: Overview and Definitions
Statement of the Problem
Beyond the Military Context
Hypothesis and Rationale
The Importance of Coping Mechanisms
Methodology
Chapter 2.
Literature Review
General Considerations
Prevalent Theories and Coping Methods
Variables and Co-morbidity
Coping Mechanisms
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Tricyclic Antidepressants are used in treating the symptoms of PTSD. However the results of the effectiveness of this treatment have been 'mixed' in many studies. "In several studies, their use resulted in modest lessening of the symptoms of reexperiencing and minimal or no effect on avoidance or arousal symptoms." (LANGE J. T. and LANGE C.L. 2000) Another group of drugs that has historically been used in the treatment of PTSD are benzodiazepines. However the effect of benzodiazepines on the main PTSD symptoms has not been conclusively proven in trials and studies. Studies also state that while these agent are effective against anxiety and irritability they should be used with caution due to"...the high frequency of comorbid substance dependence in patients with PTSD. Patients should be fully informed of the risks and benefits of these medications, including the risks of dependency and of withdrawal after abrupt discontinuation." (LANGE J. T. and LANGE C.L. 2000)"

Tags:pharmacological, treatment, management, disorder

Abstract
In this article, the writer presents an analysis of the main character in the mini-series movie, "Sybil". The psychopathology of the character (dissociative identity disorder) is delineated and her defense mechanisms and coping skills are discussed.

From the Paper
"The mini-series movie Sybil was supposedly the true story of Shirley Ardell Mason who was born in Dodge Center, Minnesota. Her parents were Walter Mason and Martha Alice Hageman Mason. Sybil is the story of an extreme case of multiple personality disorder now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID. Sybil was a withdrawn substitute teacher whose periodic blackouts compelled her to seek professional help. The story itself is what her therapy sessions ..."

Tags:Sybil, psychopathology, movie, Dissociative Identity Disorder