Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

• Overview of Stress Models
  • Selye’s Gas Model
  • Characteristics:
    • Biological model.
    • Based on experiments with rats.
    • Focuses on general physiological processes related to stress.
  • Lazarus & Folkman’s Model
  • Characteristics:
    • Psychological model.
    • Focuses on humans.
    • Individual-centered and emphasizes cognitive appraisal.

Stress Perception

• Definition: Stress is subjective, depending on individual interpretation and perceived coping abilities.
• Key Insight: "Stress is in the eye of the beholder."
  • An event’s impact as a stressor is determined by an individual's interpretation and assessment.

Transactional Nature of Stress

• Fundamental Concept
  • Stress is not solely about the event but rather about the interaction (transaction) between individual and environment.
  • Core Rule: An event only becomes a stressor if it is appraised as unpleasant or threatening by the individual.

The Appraisal Process

• Types of Cognitive Appraisal

  • Step 1: Primary Appraisal
  • Judgment of significance: How significant is the event?
  • Categories of appraisal:
    • Irrelevant: No impact on well-being.
    • Benign-Positive: Comfortable or good outcome expected.
    • Stressful: Requires a response; perceived as a source of worry.

• Step 2: Secondary Appraisal

  • Evaluating coping resources: Assessing available resources to manage stress.
  • Types of resources considered:
    • Internal resources: Determination, skills.
    • External resources: Money, social support, time.
  • Question posed: "What can be done?"

Types of Stress

• Categories of Stress Effects
  • Harm/Loss: Damage that has occurred in the past (e.g., losing a job).
  • Threat: Potential harm or loss in the future (e.g., worrying about paying bills).
  • Challenge: Opportunities for personal gain or growth (e.g., learning budgeting skills).

The Stress Equation

• Model: Stress = Demands of Situation - Coping Resources
• Understanding: Stress occurs when perceived demands surpass available resources.
• If available resources meet or exceed demands, no stress occurs.

Strengths of the Transactional Model

• Empowerment: Recognizes the individual's role in interpreting stress rather than just a biological response.
• Explains Variability: Addresses why people respond differently to the same stressors.
• Openness to Change: Acknowledges that appraisal can change over time with new skills or shifts in thinking.

Limitations of the Transactional Model

• Scientific Testing: Difficult due to the subjective nature of appraisals.
• Simultaneity: Primary and secondary appraisals often occur simultaneously, challenging their distinction.
• Unconscious Stress: Physical stress responses can occur without conscious appraisal processes.
• Cognitive Focus: The model doesn't adequately address physiological processes or sociocultural factors affecting stress responses.

Coping Strategies

• Problem-Focused Coping:
  • Aims to address practical aspects of the stressor (e.g., finding ways to afford concert tickets).
  • Assumes some control over the situation.
• Emotion-Focused Coping:
  • Deals with emotional responses, which may involve denial or acceptance.
  • Assumes low control over the situation.

Biological Models of Stress

• Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS):
  • Overview: Identifies three predictable phases of stress response:
  • Alarm: Recognition of threat; body prepares.
  • Resistance: Body adapts but may show mild illness.
  • Exhaustion: Resources depleted; increased susceptibility to illness.
• Processes Involved:
  • Alarm reaction involves shock and countershock stages.
  • Body's physiological reactions involve the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hormonal responses (e.g., adrenaline, cortisol).

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Explained

• Alarm Reaction:
  • Initial response to stress; BP and temperature drop, body reacts as though injured.
  • Activation of fight-flight-freeze response.
• Resistance Phase:
  • Body resists stressor with heightened cortisol levels and arousal.
  • Possible social withdrawal and mild physical illness.
• Exhaustion Phase:
  • Energy resources become depleted, leading to serious health implications.
  • Psychological states might include anxiety or depression.

Strengths and Limitations of the GAS Model

• Strengths:
  • Scientifically testable; evident support from animal studies.
  • Identifies biological processes linked to stress.
• Limitations:
  • General model that doesn't account for individual differences.
  • Psychological processes are overlooked; emotional responses vary.

Conclusion

• Understanding stress through both psychological (Lazarus and Folkman) and biological (Selye) perspectives provides a comprehensive view of how stress is experienced and managed.
• Each model has strengths in explaining various aspects of stress but also limitations that suggest further research and multidimensional approaches are necessary.