Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

According to Lazarus' model, what affects all stress responses?

1. Personal characteristics

2. Personal meaning of the situation

3. Environmental factors

4. Support availability

The correct answer is: Personal meaning of the situation

The personal meaning of a situation is a central factor in Lazarus' model of stress and coping, which emphasizes the subjective interpretation of stressors. This concept refers to how the individual perceives and appraises the event or situation, including their beliefs, feelings, and past experiences that dictate their emotional response. The way one interprets an event plays a crucial role in how they experience stress and how they cope with it. For instance, what may be viewed as a threat by one person could be perceived as a challenge or opportunity for growth by another, leading to different stress responses. In contrast, personal characteristics, environmental factors, and support availability are significant elements that contribute to stress, but they do not have the same direct impact on the evaluation of a stressor. They may influence how an individual reacts or copes with stress but do not fundamentally alter the core aspect of personal meaning that underpins Lazarus' appraisal theory. Thus, it's the personal meaning of the situation that primarily shapes all stress responses according to Lazarus' framework.