Lazarus and Folkman Transactional Model

Lazarus and Folkman Transactional Model

Proposes that stress involves an encounter between an individual and their external environment, and that a stress response depends upon an individual’s interpretation of the stressor and their ability to cope with it.

Step 1: Primary Appraisal

Evaluate and acknowledge the significance of the stressor and then make a decision about whether the event is irrelevant, benign-positive/stressful to us.

If it is stressful, need to determine why we think that:

• Harm/loss - an assessment of how much damage has already occurred.

• Threat - an assessment of harm/loss that could occur in the future.

• Challenge - an assessment of the potential personal gain or growth from the situation.

Step 2: Secondary Appraisal

Evaluate our coping options and resources for dealing with the stressful situation.

• Coping strategies are adequate → no stress

• Coping strategies are inadequate → stress [coping demands are perceived as greater than the resources available]

Strengths and Weaknesses