The Transactional Model of Stress

Instructions: Please read the information below concerning the Transactional Model of Stress (Folkman & Lazarus, 1984). I would like you to note down in the comments or on paper, two advantages & two disadvantages with the model.

Folkman and Lazarus (1984) focused on the transaction between people and their environment. The model suggests that stress may not occur if the person does not perceive the stressor as a threat but rather as a positive or even a challenge e.g. a student may not find an exam stressful because it is causes them to challenge themselves. 

Also, if the person possesses or can use adequate coping skills, the stress may not actually occur as a result of the stressor e.g. if somebody was made redundant but was working two other jobs and struggling to manage it may be a god send rather than a stressor!

The model proposes that people can be taught to manage their stress and cope with their stressors. They may learn to change their perspective of the stressor and to approach them differently e.g. If a child's parents were divorcing, initially it would be seen as negative and stressful, but if the child witnessed their parents much happier apart their perspectives may change and the stressor may no longer cause negativity. 

The transactional model proposes that an individual goes through two different types of appraisal when faced with a stressor. 

The Primary Appraisal: occurs when a person makes a judgement about the significance of the event and considers it as stressful, positive, controllable, challenging or irrelevant. 

The Secondary Appraisal: occurs when a person addresses what they can do about the situation, how they will cope. 

Example...

Stressor = Redundancy 

Primary Appraisal:

Negative: I won't be able to pay rent

Positive: I didn't like the job anyway

Secondary Appraisal:

Negative: I may become homeless if I cannot make the rent

Positive: I wanted to retire now anyway