Stress, appraisal, coping framework Sample Clauses

Stress, appraisal, coping framework. Previous studies have adopted a stress, appraisal, and coping (SAC) framework (Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxx, 1984) to understand caregiving experiences such as distress (e.g., Xxxxxxxx et al., 1996; Xxxxxx & Pakenham, 2011). The SAC framework defines psychological stress as, “a relationship between the person and the environment that is appraised by the person as taxing or exceeding his or her resources and endangering his or her well-being” (Lazarus & Xxxxxxx, 1984, p. 21). A simple model of the SAC framework is illustrated in Figure 1. In accordance with the SAC framework (Lazarus & Xxxxxxx, 1984), it is proposed that carers make appraisals (i.e., evaluative judgements) about the impact of the illness and these appraisals then interact with coping abilities to determine their psychological well-being and distress (Xxxxxxxx et al., 1996). Other factors, such as social support, can modify this appraisal and coping ability and potentially modify outcome (Xxxxxxxx et al., 1996). Adjustment to caregiving and the service user’s illness is therefore seen to be determined by three cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal processes: cognitive appraisals, coping strategies (e.g., avoidance) and coping resources (e.g., social support) (Xxxxxx & Packenham, 2011). In particular, events related to the caregiving role that are appraised as threatening, uncontrollable and/or limiting opportunities for personal growth, are seen to have a negative influence on adjustment because these appraisals will generate stress which may exceed available coping skills and resources (Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxxxx, 2011). Xxxxxxxxx et al. (1996) found that carers of people with psychosis made negative appraisals of caregiving, specifically in relation to: the service user’s difficult behaviours, negative symptoms and dependence upon them; stigma and loss associated with the illness; problems with services; and the effects of the illness on the family.