Ravalier PhD Theis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

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Discussion Box 3: Example of Transactional Theories – Divorce
When faced with divorce, primary appraisal would mean a person evaluates this potential
threat. If the potential threat (divorce) is evaluated as stressful, secondary appraisal
assesses one’s coping resources and options and thus addressing what he/she can do
about the situation. This is where emotion-focussed or problem-focussed coping strategies
could be used. Should the coping strategies, or re-appraisal strategy, not be successful
then a physiological/psychological strain reaction can occur.
1a.3.2) Daily Hassles in the Transactional Approach
Research literature has demonstrated that smaller, everyday
stressors can have an impact on mental health in the same way that
major life events can. These everyday stressors are known as ‘hassles’
within the psychological literature (McIntyre, Horn & Matsuo, 2008). The
daily hassles, or minor events, approach defines stress in a transactional
point of view, assuming stress outcomes are due to the interaction of
individual appraisals of an environmental situation, and in particular the
emphasis that an individual places upon these situations (Chamberlain &
Zika, 1990). Indeed, an early description by Kanner et al. (1981, pp. 3)
defines hassles as, “irritating, frustrating, distressing demands that to
some degree characterise everyday transactions with the environment”.
Whether an event is appraised as a daily hassle will differ between
individuals, depending on interpersonal, social and coping contexts
(Chamberlain & Zika, 1990).
Much of the research literature which has investigated the impact
that daily hassles can have on individuals has found that hassles have a
negative impact. Despite this, Jabaaij et al. (1993) reported the results of
two studies within one journal article and wanted to look at the impact