Unit 3, AOS 1, Dp 7 - Stress as Psychological Process

Question 1

Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

Answer 1

proposes that stress involves an encounter (transaction) between
an individual and their environment
- It then suggests that a stress response depends upon the individuals
interpretation (appraisal) of the stressor, and their ability to cope with
it.

Question 2

Primary Appraisal

Answer 2

the initial process of evaluating the nature of an incoming stressor, specifically the kind of stress it might cause.

Question 3

Primary Appraisal (Benign-Positive)

Answer 3

an initial appraisal of a stimulus as neutral or good that does not cause stress for the individual

Question 4

Primary Appraisal (Irrelevant)

Answer 4

an initial appraisal of a stimulus as a non-issue for the individual

Question 5

Primary Appraisal (Stressful)

Answer 5

If considered to be ‘stressful’, the stimulus (now called a stressor) undergoes further appraisal, being labelled according to the form
of stress it causes

Question 6

Harm/Loss

Answer 6

a further appraisal of a stressor as having caused some damage to the individual. This means the individual has already experienced direct distress as a result of the stressor (I performed badly on that first test)

Question 7

Threat

Answer 7

a further appraisal of a stressor as potentially causing damage to the individual in the future. This appraisal causes the individual to experience distress, even if the stressor has not directly caused distress yet (I might fail my next SAC)

Question 8

Challenge

Answer 8

a further appraisal of a stressor as potentially providing a positive opportunity for growth or change for the individual (Doing badly the first time will make me work harder)

Question 9

Secondary Appraisal

Answer 9

the process of evaluating the resources required and available in order to cope with a stressor
- only stressful can engage in secondary appraisal

Question 10

Secondary Appraisal (Emotion-focused coping)

Answer 10

the use of coping strategies that target the emotional components of a stressor, dealing with it indirectly rather than confronting its source
(e.g wishful thinking, denial, reframing, optimism)

Question 11

Secondary Appraisal (Problem-focused coping)

Answer 11

the use of coping strategies that directly target the source of the stressor, aiming to reduce it in a practical way
(e.g seeking information or advice, taking action, time management)

Question 12

Reappraisal

Answer 12

the situation to decide whether you can change/alter the outcome

Question 13

Transactional Model Strengths

Answer 13

• Allows one to track the subjective stress response of an
  individual.
• Allows for consideration of cognitive processes within the
  stress response, which the biological models do not take
  into account.
• Human subjects were used as a source of data during the
  creation of the model.
• Helps to explain why the same stressor may have
  different effects on different people.
• Coping stage (emotion and problem-focused strategies)
  provides suggestions for dealing with a stressor.

Question 14

Transactional Model Limitations

Answer 14

• Some argue that the stages of primary and secondary appraisal
  can occur simultaneously, and so ordering them chronologically
  may not always be reflective of the true stress response.
• Individuals are not necessarily aware of why they feel certain
  kinds of stress, as suggested by primary appraisal.
• Does not include biological processes of stress, when in practice
  stress is a combination of both biological and psychological factors.
• Cannot easily be tested by research,
  as human subjects are not necessarily consciously aware at all
  stages of appraisal, and therefore there is a lack of empirical
  evidence to support the model.