The transactional model of stress conceptualizes stress as a process involving the perception of a demand (i.e. stressor), an individual’s response to the experience (i.e. appraisal and coping), and any ultimate consequences thereof (i.e. strains).
The perception of a demand is followed by an appraisal process wherein individuals
evaluate the demand’s level of threat (primary appraisal), their capacity to cope
with the demand (secondary appraisal) and, if necessary, re-evaluate the demand
(re-appraisal) (Lazarus and Folkman, 1984). The perception and appraisal of a stressor
is generally followed by the process of coping (i.e. efforts directed at dealing with
the stressor at hand).