Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress

Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress describes how individuals respond to stress through an ongoing process of appraisal and coping. When faced with a potentially stressful situation, people first evaluate whether it threatens their well-being (primary appraisal). They then assess their resources to handle it (secondary appraisal). Based on these assessments, they choose coping strategies—either trying to manage or adapt to the stressor. This dynamic process influences how stress affects them and their overall well-being, emphasizing that stress is not just a situation but also how individuals perceive and respond to it.