Stress and Coping Models: Lazarus, Folkman, Hobfoll & COR Theory

Major theoretical frameworks for understanding stress appraisal and coping:

1. Transactional Model (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984/1999)

• Primary appraisal: Threat, challenge, harm/loss, or benign.
• Secondary appraisal: Evaluation of coping resources and options.
• Reappraisal: Continuous updating based on feedback.
• Emphasizes person-environment transaction.

2. Coping Taxonomy (Folkman & Lazarus, 1988)

• Problem-focused: Alter the stressor (planning, action, information-seeking).
• Emotion-focused: Regulate distress (reappraisal, distancing, support-seeking, acceptance).
• Both used dynamically; match to controllability.

3. Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory (Hobfoll, 1989/2001)

• Resources: objects (housing), conditions (employment), personal (self-efficacy), energies (time, money).
• Stress = resource loss, threat of loss, or gain failure after investment.
• Coping = resource protection, acquisition, mobilization.
• Loss spirals vs. gain spirals.

4. Coping Resources Model

• Internal (hardiness, mastery, optimism) + external (social support, finances) buffers.
• Depletion → vulnerability; replenishment → resilience.

Application

These models inform interventions: cognitive restructuring (appraisal), skills training (problem-focused), resource building (COR), social support enhancement. Choice depends on research question or clinical context.