3.1.7 (3C) - transactional model of stress Flashcards
Lazarus + Folkman’s transactional model of stress + coping.
Psychological model that proposes that stress is a subjective ‘transaction’ between an incoming stressor and the person + environmental factors specific to an individual.
Primary appraisal
The initial process of evaluating the nature of an incoming stressor, specifically the kind of stress it might cause.
- Benign-positive, irrelevant, stressful.
Benign-positive
Initial appraisal as neutral or good that does not cause stress for the individual.
Irrelevant
Initial appraisal as a non-issue for the individual.
Stressful
Initial appraisal as a source of worry or emotional significance for individual.
- Harm/loss, threat, challenge.
Harm/loss
Further appraisal as having caused some damage to the individual.
Threat
Further appraisal as potentially causing damage to the individual in the future.
Challenge
Further appraisal as potentially providing a positive opportunity for growth or change for the individual.
Secondary appraisal
The process of evaluating the resources required + available in order to cope with a stressor.
Emotion-focused coping
Coping strategies that target the emotional components of a stressor, dealing with it indirectly rather than confronting its source.
Problem-focused coping
Coping strategies that directly target the source of the stressor, aiming to reduce it in a practical way.
Lazarus + folkman’s - strengths
- Humans were used = allows for generalisation.
- Helps to explain why stressors have diff effects of diff people.
- Allows tracking of subjective stress.
Lazarus + folkman’s - weaknesses
- No bio processes.
- Can’t easily be tested (humans not always consciously aware).
- Individuals not always aware of why they feel diff kinds of stress.
