What is an example of a transaction based model of stress?

The Spilled Coffee: A Transactional Model of Stress in Action

We’ve all been there. A jostled elbow, a sudden stop, and suddenly, your morning coffee is a spreading stain rather than a comforting warmth. While some might shrug it off with a sigh, others might feel a surge of frustration that lingers for hours. This seemingly minor difference in reaction highlights the transactional model of stress, a framework that emphasizes the individual’s interpretation of an event, rather than the event itself, as the key determinant of the stress response.

The transactional model, developed by Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman, proposes that stress arises from a dynamic interplay between the individual and their environment. It’s not simply the external stressor (the spilled coffee) that causes stress, but rather our appraisal of that stressor and our perceived ability to cope with it. This appraisal process involves two key stages:

• Primary appraisal: This is our initial evaluation of the event’s significance. Is it irrelevant, benign-positive, or stressful? With the spilled coffee, one person might appraise it as irrelevant (“No big deal, I can get another one”). Another might see it as stressful, categorizing it as a threat (“Now I’ll be late for my meeting and look unprofessional”) or a challenge (“This is annoying, but I can clean it up and still make it on time”).

• Secondary appraisal: If the event is deemed stressful in the primary appraisal, we then evaluate our coping resources. Do we have the skills, resources, and support to handle the situation? Someone who believes they have the resources to easily clean the spill and grab another coffee will experience less stress than someone who believes they lack the time, cleaning supplies, or money for a replacement.

The spilled coffee scenario perfectly illustrates this transactional nature. Person A, who shrugs off the spill, likely appraises the event as irrelevant or minimally stressful. They might have plenty of time, easy access to cleaning supplies, and money for another coffee. Their secondary appraisal confirms their ability to cope easily. Conversely, Person B, who experiences prolonged stress, might appraise the spill as a threat to their professional image and punctuality. Perhaps they’re already running late, don’t have cleaning supplies handy, or are worried about the cost of another coffee. Their secondary appraisal suggests a lack of resources to effectively manage the situation, leading to heightened and prolonged stress.

This model highlights the subjective nature of stress. The same event can trigger vastly different responses depending on individual interpretations and coping resources. Understanding this transactional process allows us to appreciate the complexities of stress and develop more targeted strategies for managing it. It’s not about eliminating stressors entirely, but rather about changing how we appraise and respond to the inevitable spills life throws our way.