Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Practice

Which strategy enhances resilience to stress?

1. Keeping to yourself

2. Maintaining a supportive network

3. Focusing solely on negative thoughts

4. Avoiding all physical activity

The correct answer is: Maintaining a supportive network

Maintaining a supportive network is a crucial strategy for enhancing resilience to stress. A supportive network consists of family, friends, or colleagues who can provide emotional, informational, or practical assistance during challenging times. This social support plays a significant role in coping with stress, as it fosters a sense of belonging and helps individuals feel understood and valued. The presence of a supportive network can alleviate feelings of isolation and increase an individual's ability to manage stress by offering different perspectives, encouragement, and resources. In contrast, isolating oneself, concentrating solely on negative thoughts, or avoiding physical activity can exacerbate stress and diminish one's ability to cope effectively. These other strategies may lead to a lack of support and increase feelings of helplessness, while physical activity is known to be beneficial for overall mental and physical health, serving as a natural way to reduce stress. Therefore, cultivating and maintaining relationships within a supportive network is instrumental in enhancing resilience.