Lazarus stress theory

Lazarus Stress Theory: Cognitive Appraisal and Coping Concepts

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Lazarus Stress Theory: Cognitive Appraisal and Coping Concepts
The Lazarus stress theory has undergone some changes since it was first developed. The latest theory regards stress to be an interpersonal concept. According to Khrone (2002), Lazarus stress theory states that stress is not a type of external stimulus. It is also not a particular pattern of subjective, behavioral, or psychological reactions. Rather, stress is a two-way relationship between an individual and the environment. It is a relationship where the individual has two options to manage a stressful environment. Either, he appraises the environment’s significance in regards to his well-being, or the individual uses resources to cope with the stressful environment. Both appraisal and coping are important concepts in Lazarus stress theory although appraisal is more critical to the theory.
The cognitive appraisal theory is a better concept of managing stress. It helps an individual to have a better understanding of the causes of a stressful environment. The concept arose from the idea that various emotional processes, including stress, are highly dependent on the experiences of an individual. The concept explains the intensity, duration, and quality differences among individuals and the time frame of a provoked stressful emotion in an environment with factors equal to all. As a result, it is assumed that appraisal patterns generate, maintain and alter the stressor’s environment.

Situational and personal factors influence the appraisals (Khrone, 2002).
There are two forms of appraisal: secondary and primary appraisals. The primary appraisal assesses; an individual’s relevance of goals he/she cares about; goals’ similarity in the relation of the stressor with personal goals; and ego through personal aspects like morality, self-esteem, and ego-identity. The appraisal of personal attributes gives an individual more insight on how they relate to the stressor. The secondary appraisal, on the other hand, assesses three basic components, namely, blame, coping potential, and future expectations. These components are key in determining; who or what is to blame for the stressor; measures an individual can implement to cope with the stressor; and how to cope and manage similar stressors in future (Khrone, 2002).
The coping concept is the efforts people make to reduce, master or tolerate internal and external conflicts and demands. It is distantly related to cognitive appraisal and has a number of implications. The actions taken to cope with a stressor are classified in accordance with the characteristics of the coping method rather than the effects they have on the stressor. Coping is also composed of different acts which are sequentially organized coping is, therefore, characterized by an interconnection of several actions which are collectively referred to as coping episodes. These actions change the realities surrounding the stresses and negative reactions affecting an individual (Khrone, 2002).
In conclusion, the appraisal is, therefore, a more critical concept to the Lazarus theory compared to the coping concept. The appraisal concept guides an individual on how to sequentially deal with stress. It cognitively assesses the most probable causes of stress, which include personal goals, ego, and the relationship of personal goals with the stress. Besides, appraisal enables an individual to identify the cause of the stress (blame), the potential of coping with the stress, and other future expectations. Noticeably, the coping concept fails to identify the coping actions one can take to manage stress. As such, without a doubt, appraisal concept is a more critical concept to Lazarus stress theory (Khrone, 2002).
Reference
Kohne, H. W. (2002). Stress and coping theories. International Encyclopedia of the Social Behavioral Sciences, 22, 15163-15170.