The Stress Concept in the Life Sciences
2. Psychological Stress and the Coping Process
In the life sciences, stress is a concept that has been studied extensively in both animals and humans. Stress can be defined as the body's response to a challenge or threat to its homeostasis, and it can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including physiological, psychological, and behavioral changes.
One of the most influential theories of stress and coping is the transactional theory developed by Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman. This theory proposes that stress is a process that involves the interaction between an individual and their environment. According to this theory, stress occurs when an individual perceives that the demands of their environment exceed their resources for coping with those demands.
The transactional theory of stress and coping has been widely used to study a variety of stressors, including major life events, daily hassles, and work-related stressors. This theory has also been used to develop a variety of coping interventions, such as stress management training and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
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