The word “cope” is derived from the Latin word colpus, meaning “to alter,” and, as defined in Webster’s Dictionary, is usually used in the psychological paradigm to denote “dealing with and attempting to overcome problems and difficulties.” In psychology, the word “coping,” in addition to this behavioral application, has been used as a broad heuristic in several other domains, including as a thought process, as a personality characteristic, and in social context.

Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health, 2023. 3p.