What influences a client's coping strategies when adjusting to a significant body change?

The perception a person has regarding their significant body change is crucial in determining their coping strategies. This personal understanding shapes their emotional response and influences how they choose to manage stress related to the change. For instance, if an individual views their body change positively, they may adopt proactive coping strategies, such as seeking social support or engaging in health-promoting behaviors. Conversely, a negative perception could lead to avoidance or maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as denial or withdrawing from social situations. Ultimately, the subjective experience and interpretation of the body change are central to how individuals identify and employ their coping mechanisms.

While knowledge about the change, support from family, and the severity of the condition certainly impact coping strategies, they serve as external factors. The personal perception is more intrinsic and can significantly modify how effective those external support systems are at helping the individual cope.