Compare and Contrast two Different Models of Stress Theory and Discuss How Each Would Apply to First Responders

Models of Stress Theory
Name
Institution
Models of Stress Theory
Abstract
The term stress has gained popularity in the last fifty years. Traditionally, stress was only used in physics to refer to how structures should be built in order to be able to withstand the heavy load and to be able to withstand any deformation through outside focus. This understanding of stress in physics has transformed tremendously and today the term is used to refer to the bodily processes that are brought about by conditions that put physical or psychological strains on an individual. There are various theories that are used to explain stress with the major ones being the Lazarus’ transactional model of stress and Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome.
Introduction
The word stress has gained prominence in the last five decades. In the past, stress was only used in physics to refer to how structures should be built in order to be able to withstand the heavy load and to be able to withstand any deformation through outside focus. This understanding of stress in physics has changed and today the term is used to refer to the bodily processes that are brought about by circumstances that put physical or psychological strains on a person. There are various theories that are used to explain stress with the major ones being the Lazarus’ transactional model of stress and Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome. This paper compares and contrasts these two stress theories and then examines how the two can be applied to first responders.
The General Adaptation Syndrome was developed by Hans Selye where he observed that once stimulus events are applied intensely on an object, they are bringing about common effects. Using this understanding, Selye thus defined stress as a condition that is manifested by a syndrome which is comprised of all the nonspecific alterations in the biological system. According to Selye, this response pattern which he termed as the General Adaptation Syndrome takes place in three stages namely the alarm reaction, the resistance and the exhaustion stage (Bonanno, 2004).
Ideally, the alarm reaction stage consists of an initial shock stage and a consequent counter shock stage. The shock stage is characterized by the release of adrenalin and an ulceration of the gastro-intestines. This is the first stage of defensive processes where there is an increase of adrenocortial activity in the body. If the unpleasant stimulation continues, the body goes into the stage of resistance. During this stage, the signs of the alarm reaction all but disappear as a sign that the organism has begun to acclimatize to the stressor. However, while the harmful stimulus goes up, any resistance to other types of stressors goes down at the same time. If the harmful stimulation continues to take place, resistance soon gives way to the final stage which is exhaustion. At this stage, the ability of the body to adapt to the stress has been exhausted and the signs that were evident in stage one reappear only that the organism lacks the ability to resist at this stage. At this stage there is irreversible tissue damage and if the stimulation goes on, the individual dies (Jex, & Thomas, 2003).
The other theory of stress that is commonly used to explain stress is the Lazarus’ transaction model of stress. This theory that was proposed in 1966 states that stress is brought about by the discrepancy between imaginary strains of the condition and an individual’s means to meet those strains. What this means is that the individual’s psychological assessment of the issue and the assessment means are important for the determination of whether an individual has stress and demonstrates a strain response. The primary assessment is the assessment of the possible risk. At this point, an individual tries to determine whether the stimulus is of any consequence, positive or stressful. In the event that the stimulus is stressful, the person then evaluates the extent of the damage or what is likely to be damaged, the threat or the possibility of expected harm, as well as the impediment or chance for expansion. The secondary assessment involves an examination of the resources that are availed for meeting the possible threat. If for example a person was assessing the threat of a lion running after them, the secondary assessment would involve assessing their ability to outrun the lion or the availability of an escape car. The final stage is a reappraisal denoting the reexamination of threat in perspective of the available resource as reassessing the resources in light of the reassessed threat. If the strain brought about by the threat outweighs the availed reso...