Lazarus and Folkman's Stress Model

Lazarus and Folkman's Stress Model explains how we respond to stressors. When facing a potential problem, we first assess if it’s threatening (primary appraisal). If it is, we evaluate our resources to handle it (secondary appraisal). If we believe we can manage or cope, stress is minimized. If not, we may experience heightened stress. This process influences our emotional and behavioral responses to challenges, emphasizing that stress is not just about the event itself but also about how we perceive and evaluate our ability to deal with it.