Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model

Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of stress explains how people respond to challenging situations. It views stress as a result of the interaction between a person and their environment. When faced with a stressor, individuals first evaluate its significance (primary appraisal). If they see it as a threat or challenge, they then assess their ability to cope (secondary appraisal). Depending on these evaluations, they may experience stress or feel capable of managing the situation. The model emphasizes that stress is not just caused by events but by how individuals interpret and respond to them.