What is defined as characteristic ways of responding to stress?

The term "coping" refers to the strategies and mechanisms that individuals employ to handle stress and its emotional, psychological, and physiological effects. Coping can take various forms, such as problem-solving, seeking social support, or using relaxation techniques. The essence of coping lies in its intentional nature, where individuals use specific approaches to manage their responses to stressful situations.

In contrast, behavioral responses might refer to observable actions taken under stress but do not encompass the broader cognitive and emotional strategies inherent in coping. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon related to the discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs and is not about stress responses directly. Adjustment typically refers to the process of adapting to new conditions or changes and is less specific to the ways individuals respond to stress.

Thus, coping distinctly captures the idea of characteristic behaviors and strategies employed to deal with stress, making it the most accurate choice in the context of this question.