Unit 3.1.7 A Psychological Model of Stress

Question 1

Transactional model of stress + coping

Answer 1

• Model
• Suggests a stress response is only elicited if an event is perceived to exceed our ability to cope
• Is based on our appraisal of the situation

Question 2

Appraisal

Answer 2

• Process of categorising an event
• On the basis of its perceived significance + how it may affect our mental wellbeing

Question 3

Primary appraisal

Answer 3

When an individual determines whether a situation or event is significant to them and stressful or not

Question 4

Benign/positive

Answer 4

Describes a situation that is perceived as having a positive outcome for the individual

Question 5

Threat

Answer 5

• The anticipated harm/loss in the future
• Because of an event

Question 6

Challenge

Answer 6

• The perceived potential for for personal gain/growth
• From an event

Question 7

Secondary appraisal

Answer 7

• When an individual considers the available resources + their own coping strategies
• To decide the best way of dealing with a stressor

Question 8

Strengths of the transactional model of stress

Answer 8

• Focuses on psychological factors of the stress response over which we have control
• Explains why individuals respond in different ways to the same sorts of stressors
• Allows for the fact that stressors + their circumstances can change over time

Question 9

Limitations of the transactional model of stress

Answer 9

• Individuals may not always be conscious of all the factors causing them to experience a stress response
• Overlooks physiological responses
• Difficult to test through experimental research because of the subjective nature of individual stress responses