Muni's PlayThis note outlines the Coping Continuum model, which categorizes coping strategies along axes of intensity and harm, particularly in the context of managing suicidal ideation.
The Coping Continuum
The model distinguishes between healthy and unhealthy strategies based on their intensity and the degree of harm they cause. Healthy strategies move toward the survival instinct, while unhealthy strategies move toward death and suicide.
| Continuum | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Endpoint |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Strategies (Lower Higher Intensity) | Self-soothing | Relaxing or distracting activities | Social support | Health Professionals | — | Survival Instinct |
| Unhealthy Strategies (Lower Greater Harm) | Negative self-talk | Harmful activities | Social withdrawal | Suicidal ideation | Suicide | Death |
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping Strategies
The following table categorizes specific examples of healthy and unhealthy coping behaviors.
| Category | Healthy Strategies | Unhealthy Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Self-soothing | • Coping self-talk • Positive self-talk • Mindful awareness • Abdominal breathing | • Negative self-talk • Rumination • Suppression |
| Activities | • Distraction • Relaxation • Exercise | • Aggression • Emotional eating • Substance use • Self-harm |
| Social | • Social support • Professional support | • Social withdrawal • Suicidality |