Psychological Processes Of Stress - Edrolo

Question 1

Emotion focused coping

Answer 1

A coping strategy that occurs in the secondary appraisal phase of Folkman and Lazarus’ transactional model of stress and coping in which a person alters their emotional response to stress in either a dysfunctional or positive manner, for example, through avoidance, accepting responsibility or adopting a positive mindset.

Question 2

Challenge

Answer 2

A task or situation for which a person has assessed that an opportunity for personal gain or growth is present, for example, starting a new job or planning a wedding.

Question 3

Harm/Loss

Answer 3

A threat recognised during the primary appraisal phase of Folkman and Lazarus’ transactional model of stress and coping that causes distress.

Question 4

Emotional forecasting

Answer 4

A person’s prediction of their future emotional state which occurs in both the primary and secondary appraisal phases of Folkman and Lazarus’ transactional model of stress and coping. In the primary appraisal phase an individual has an emotional response to a situation, while in the secondary appraisal phase an individual considers possible responses and predicts their emotional impacts.

Question 5

Reappraisal

Answer 5

The re-evaluation of a stressor after the secondary appraisal phase of Folkman and Lazarus’ transactional model of stress and coping.

Question 6

Secondary appraisal

Answer 6

The second stage of Folkman and Lazarus’ transactional model of stress in which a person evaluates their coping options and
resources for dealing with a stressful situation.

If the coping resources are adequate, their will be a reappraisal and no stress will be perceived. If coping resources are inadequate, the individual will either respond with eustress (in the case of a challenge) or distress (in the case of loss, harm or threat).

Question 7

Transactional model for stress and coping

Answer 7

A model developed by Lazarus and Folkman in 1984 that explains the psychological processes of stress. Stress involves an encounter (transaction) between an individual and their external environment. A stress response depends upon the individual’s interpretation (appraisal) of the stressor and their ability to cope with it.

Question 8

Threat

Answer 8

The anticipation of future harm or loss.

Question 9

Primary Appraisal

Answer 9

The first stage of Folkman and Lazarus’ transactional model of stress in which a person assesses a situation to determine whether a stress is present or whether the potential stressor is actually irrelevant or benign/positive. If it is deemed stressful, the,stressor is assessed to see whether it is a challenge or a harm, loss or threat.

Question 10

Problem focused coping

Answer 10

A coping strategy that occurs in the secondary appraisal phase of Folkman and Lazarus’ transactional model of stress and coping in which a person makes practical efforts to manage or change the cause of a stress, for example, through time management and strategising. Benign

Question 11

Strengths of the transactional model of stress and coping 1984

Answer 11

Focuses on the psychological influences on how we react to a stressor, emphasises the individuality of the human stress response.
Explains why different individuals respond in different ways to the same stressor.

Question 12

Limitations

Answer 12

Difficult to test through experimental research

Can overlook physiological responses to stressors.

Question 13

Resources

Answer 13

Resources include internal resources, external resources and coping strategies.

Coping strategies include emotion focused coping or problem focused coping.

Internal resources include character and personality.

External resources include support networks and money.