Which approach best describes handling stress through proactive measures?

Handling stress through proactive measures is best described as active coping. This approach involves taking initiative to address stressors directly and implement solutions that mitigate or manage the sources of stress. Active coping includes techniques such as problem-solving, seeking support, and developing strategies to confront challenges in a constructive manner.

This method is effective because it empowers individuals to take control of their stress rather than simply reacting to it or avoiding it passively. Engaging in active coping can lead to a greater sense of resilience and personal agency, ultimately promoting better mental health outcomes.

The other strategies listed, such as passive avoidance or repressive denial, involve more of a withdrawal from the situation or a refusal to acknowledge stressors, which are not proactive. Emotion-focused strategies primarily address the emotional response to stress rather than the stressors themselves, thus not embodying the proactive handling that active coping represents.