Author Question: Discuss the goodness of fit hypothesis. What will be an ideal ... (Read 21 times)

dalyningkenk · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Discuss the goodness of fit hypothesis.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are the two conclusions we can generally draw from research assessing the physiological benefits of human-animal interaction?

What will be an ideal response?

DylanD1323 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The goodness of fit hypothesis (Folkman, 1984) suggests that coping is most effective when there is a good fit between the coping strategy and the amount of control you can exert over the stressor. In situations in which you can exert a high level of control over the stressor, then problem-focused strategies are the best fit but when you can exert little or no control over the stressor then emotion-focused strategies are the best fit. In other words, if you can make the problem go away by solving it, then your best coping strategy is to tackle the problem. However, if you cannot make the problem go away, then your best coping strategy is to manage your emotional reactions to the stressor rather than trying to solve an insolvable problem.

Answer to Question 2

First, longitudinal studies suggest that human-animal interaction through pet ownership can result in lower blood pressure and heart rate. Second, interacting with pets can buffer autonomic reactivity to acute stress.