What are the three models of stress?

The correct answer indicates that stress can be understood through three key frameworks: as a response, as a stimulus, and as a transaction.

Understanding stress as a response focuses on the physiological and psychological reactions individuals experience when faced with stressors. This encompasses the body's biological responses, such as increased heart rate and hormonal changes, that are part of the stress response system.

Viewing stress as a stimulus emphasizes the external factors or events that trigger stress. These can range from significant life changes to daily hassles, indicating that stress often originates from the environment or specific situations that elicit a response.

The transactional model of stress considers the dynamic and interactive relationship between individuals and their environment. It suggests that stress is not merely the result of a stressor or just a physiological reaction; rather, it unfolds through an ongoing process that involves how individuals perceive and cope with the stressor. This perspective highlights the importance of personal appraisal and coping mechanisms in determining the impact of stress.

This comprehensive view provides a nuanced understanding of stress, illustrating that it is not a singular phenomenon but involves interconnected aspects of response, stimulus, and the interpretation of the stressful experience.