The Lazarus Model: Stress and Coping

Paper Summary:

This essay states that the Lazarus' model is a very concise theory that explains how individuals try to make sense of a stressful situation from the initial impact of the event forward. It details the primary and secondary appraisals implemented to assess the event and promotes the idea that coping resources held by the individual affected are utilized to assist in overcoming the experience. Through personal experience, the author shows that overall, the Lazarus Model provided a clear understanding of the experience and the coping mechanisms used, either consciously or unconsciously to cope with trauma.

Outline:
Description of the Incident
Description of My Emotional Experience
How Lazurus' Model Helps Make Sense of This Experience
The Aspects of My Experience Lazarus' Model Fails to Explain
How Lazarus' Model Could be Modified to Fit My Experience
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"When assessing my coping resources via the secondary appraisal phase in Lazarus' model, I discovered my coping mechanisms were quite healthy. I was able to take control of the situation and the stressors involved by realizing that future harm of this nature could be avoided by ending the toxic relationship I was in. Further, I realized the challenges faced by experiencing such a trauma could be turned into positive benefits, as from this negative transaction, I received all the strength and knowledge I could glean from this experience."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lazarus, Bernice N., & Lazarus, Richard S.. Passion and Reason: Making Sense of Our Emotions. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.
• Lazarus, Richard S.. Fifty Years of the Research and Theory of R.S. Lazarus: An Analysis of Historical and Perennial Issues. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 1998.

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