Transactional model of stress and coping

Problem focused copsing

- a strategy to change or manage the cause or source of a stressor, when the individual believes they have some control over the situation & can change circumstances - reappraising the stressor by examining it from new perspectives - obtaining more information about the stressor by talking to someone who can help - redefining the stressor in a way that is more manageable - generating alternative ways to deal with the stressor - focusing on changing only what is changeable - learning new skills to more effectively manage the stressor

Limitations

- difficult to test through experimental research due to the subjective nature as we'll as the interaction of primary and secondary appraisals - doubt that it's necessary to appraise something as causing stress to have a stress response

Reappraisal

In the transactional model of stress and coping, a re-evaluation of a potential stressor in relation to coping resources

Emotion Focused Coping

Strategies to attend to emotional responses to a specific stressor - denial - distancing - avoiding - minimising - wishful thinking - acceptance - venting emotions - seeking emotional support from family members and friends

Strengths

- focuses on psychological determinants of the stress response, thus emphasises personal nature and individuality of the stress response - stress involves interaction between an individual and their environment in which the individual has an active role - inclusion of the reappraisal process allows that stressors and circumstances change over time - proposes different management methods

Transactional model of stress and coping

A theory that proposes that stress involves an encounter between an individual and their environment and that a stress reponse depends upon the appraisal of the stressor and the ability to cope with it - appraisal is not necessarily a conscious process

Coping

In stress management, the process of constantly changing cognitive and behavioural efforts to manage the internal and/or external stressors that are appraised as taxing or exceeding the resources of the person

Secondary apparaisal

In the transactional model of stress and coping, an evaluation of internal and external coping options and resources for dealing with a stressor - internal: strength and determination - external: money and support from family and friends

Primary Appraisal

In the transactional model of stress and coping, an evaluation of the significance of a potential stressor resulting in a decision that is either irrelevant, benign positive or stressful - harm/loss: assessment of the damage that has already occurred - threat: assessment of harm loss that has not yet occurred by may occur in future - challenge: assessment of potential for personal growth or gain E.g Job loss -> can't afford rent -> learn to budget

Psychological Determinant

Stressors are subjective, affected by: - prior experience with stressors & stress response \ - coping skills - personality characteristics - attitudes - motivation - level of self-esteem - general outlook (optimism vs pessimism) - perception of control