Which coping mechanism involves making specific plans for the future?

The correct answer is planning because it directly refers to the process of making specific strategies or outlines for future actions. This coping mechanism is characterized by the active formulation of steps to address challenges or prepare for upcoming situations. It allows individuals to take control of uncertainty by thinking ahead and preparing for potential outcomes, which can help reduce anxiety and enhance a sense of agency.

In this context, planning can involve anything from setting goals to anticipating future challenges and outlining the steps necessary to address them. This proactive approach empowers individuals to feel more equipped to handle what lies ahead, as it gives a sense of direction and purpose in the face of stressors.

The other choices represent different coping strategies that do not specifically focus on planning. Confrontation involves actively addressing a problem or conflict but may not necessarily include forward-looking planning. Positive appraisal refers to reframing a situation in a more positive light, which can help shift one’s emotional response but doesn't involve the formulation of concrete future plans. Self-controlling indicates a focus on managing one’s own feelings and reactions, often by restraining impulses or emotions, rather than creating a structured plan for the future.