Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman’s and Stress and Coping Paradigm Essay Example

Discuss Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman’s and stress and coping paradigm and in view of this paradigm explain age and individual difference in the experience and handling of stress 1. Introduction

Stress is induced by life events .Lazarus and Flokman in (Cavanaugh and Blanchard –Field (2005) point out stress is defined by the person and that no two people experiences stress the same event in exactly the same way. Each individual has a specific tolerance for stress depending on general level of adjustment, the internal and external resources available to that person, flexibility of learned coping mechanisms and the degree and type of stress being experienced .The rise in stress that results from emotional hazardous situations motivates the individual to bring into play coping mechanisms or problem solving behaviours.

2. The role of stress Development is shaped by four forces biological, psychological, socioeconomic/cultural, and life cycle forces .The interaction of these forces influence life expectancy and can induce stress.

• Biological Forces Include all genetic and health related factors. The primary goal of across adulthood is to have high quality of life .There is a wide range of physical changes taking place during old age (adulthood stage) such as body, mobility, bones, skin etc. Older adults are vulnerable to chronic diseases such as arthritics. Being able to get around on once own is an important part of remaining independent. Illness can severely limit movement thereby reduced independence. These changes can increase the stress levels .In contrast .having a health body enables an older adult to continue with physical activities and daily routines. • Psychological Forces Include internal perception, cognitive, emotional and personality factors Age related changes have profound psychological effects on older adults. The psychological abilities are crucial to adapt to changing environment