Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman (1987) suggested that stress emerges from a transaction between an individual and his environment, both conditioned by social and cultural variables. The primary appraisal occur, once one is contacted by an event, which can be evaluated as a harm (experienced harm), a threat (anticipated harm) or a challenge (potential for mastery or gain). These three options elicit a secondary appraisal, a movement towards overcoming the event. Once a risk to well-being, this process, alongside with its affective, physiological and behavioral effects, constitutes the continuum of the stress phenomenon. Individual’s inability to cope leads to maladaptive psychosocial outcomes.
Also called ‘Stress coping theory’.
