Lazarus' Transactional Model of Stress in AP Psychology

Definition

Lazarus' Transactional Model of Stress is a psychological theory that explains how individuals perceive and respond to stress. It emphasizes the importance of cognitive appraisal, which refers to the evaluation and interpretation of a stressful situation.

Related terms

Primary Appraisal: Primary appraisal is the initial evaluation of a stressor, where an individual determines if it is irrelevant, benign-positive, or stressful.

Secondary Appraisal: Secondary appraisal involves assessing one's resources and ability to cope with a stressful situation after primary appraisal. It focuses on evaluating potential coping strategies.

Coping Strategies: Coping strategies are specific actions or behaviors used to manage or reduce the impact of stressors. They can be problem-focused (addressing the source) or emotion-focused (managing emotional response).