What do problem-focused coping strategies aim to do?

Problem-focused coping strategies are designed specifically to tackle the underlying issues that contribute to stress, thereby focusing on changing the situation or resolving the problem causing that stress. This approach is proactive and involves steps such as seeking solutions, gathering information, or altering problematic circumstances to reduce stressors directly.

For instance, if an employee is overwhelmed with workload, a problem-focused strategy might involve discussing their concerns with management to redistribute tasks or prioritizing their assignments more effectively. This direct approach contrasts with emotional-focused strategies that deal with the emotions arising from the stress but do not address the root causes directly.

In this context, option B is the accurate choice as it captures the essence of what problem-focused strategies are intended to accomplish: addressing the source of stress rather than just alleviating its symptoms.