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

Models of Stress Theory
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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...