Blog Post #2 Theoretical Framework
The problem of individuals experiencing 'phase of life' transitions' lacking tools to maintain satisfaction with human connection is grounded in the cognitive-relational theory of stress, originally developed by Richard Lazarus. In 1966 Richard Lazarus primarily used the cognitive-relational theory of stress to study the cycle of appraisal of environmental stress and consequent coping. Appraisal and coping are discussed as the mediating processes that individuals use to seek to reduce stress. This is also known as the Transactional Model, Lazarus Theory (Lazarus, 1966,1991). This theory framework is appropriate when discussing individuals in transition lacking tools to maintain satisfaction with human connection because it examines the stressors of uncertainty which speaks to transition, sense of deprivation and threat of difficulty or harm. This theory is concerned with personal factors as well as environmental factors and functional and dysfunctional coping which will