Which of the following is a main coping strategy during the outward adjustment phase?

• A. Denial
• B. Suppression
• C. Rationalization
• D. Contemplation

Answer: (B)

During outward adjustment, the goal is to keep daily life functioning and present a stable front to others while inner distress is managed. Suppression fits this context because it involves deliberately pushing distressing thoughts and feelings out of conscious awareness to continue functioning in social and work settings. This helps a person appear composed and reliable on the outside, even as they work through emotions internally. Denial tends to block recognition of the need for support and can undermine outward functioning. Rationalization focuses on justifying feelings rather than directly addressing them, which doesn’t support outward presentation. Contemplation is about weighing options and planning, a more reflective process than the immediate management of outward behavior. So suppression is the coping strategy that best aligns with outward adjustment.