11 - The Stress Vulnerability Model

The Stress Vulnerability Model

© SPMM Course sophisticated models exist. Medications, psychological interventions and training to improve coping skills can build resilience and reduce vulnerability. The Stress Vulnerability Model

Coping process: Lazarus (1999) developed the most popular model of coping – the cognitive-mediation model which explains why different individuals respond differently to the same types of stressors, and why the same individual may respond differently to a similar stressor at different times. This model proposes three stages in the coping process. Three stages: Primary appraisal Evaluation of stressor Secondary appraisal Evaluation of resources and options to manage the stressful situation Coping stage Choose and use strategy to cope with stressor

Coping strategies may be divided into either problem-focused coping, where an individual attempts to change the stressful situation or the relationship between oneself and the stressful context, or emotionfocused coping, in which the individual alters his or her appraisal or emotional reaction to the stressful situation. Locus of control refers to the extent to which individuals believe that they control events affecting them. It is one of the four core dimensions affecting self-evaluation, the others being neuroticism, self-efficacy and self-esteem. Locus of control concept is aligned with the framework of the social-learning theory of personality (Rotter 1954). According to the locus of control, outcomes of an individual’s actions can be attributable to the 4 features shown in the box. SEROTOIN TRANSPORTER & LIFE EVENTS

In an interesting study of environmentgene interaction, Caspi et al (2003) noted that individuals with one or two copies of the short allele of the 5-HT T promoter polymorphism exhibited more depressive symptoms, diagnosable depression, and suicidality in relation to stressful life events than individuals homozygous for the long allele.

© SPMM Course Learned resourcefulness is a concept that is related to Seligman’s concept of learned helplessness. It refers to the conscious appreciation of the acquired repertoire of behaviour and skills that aids a person to selfregulate internal events (emotions, cognitions), which would otherwise interfere with ability to execute target behaviour. Psychological resilience: individual’s ability to appropriately adapt to stress and adversity. Factors developing and sustaining resilience: communication and problem-solving skills, ability to manage strong feelings/impulses, ability to make and execute plans, confidence in own ability. Both learned resourcefulness and helplessness can explain how stressors are appraised in their context.

ABILITY (Internal & stable) EFFORT (Internal unstable) TASK DIFFICULTY (External stable) LUCK (External unstable)