Lazarus and Folkman (Lazarus & Folkman)

Lazarus and Folkman developed a theory of stress and coping, highlighting how people respond to challenging situations. They proposed that stress isn’t just about the event itself but how individuals interpret and manage it. When faced with a stressor, people first evaluate whether it’s a threat or challenge (primary appraisal), then decide if they have the resources to handle it (secondary appraisal). Based on this, they choose coping strategies—either problem-focused (addressing the issue) or emotion-focused (managing feelings). Their model emphasizes the dynamic process of perceiving and responding to stress, influencing overall well-being.