p. 299). Adaptive coping requires a good fit between the person–environment
transaction, the person’s appraisal of the transaction, and the consequent
coping behavior (Lazarus, 1993; Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). Thus, coping
strategies should not be prejudged as adaptive or maladaptive on an a priori
basis. As research demonstrates, coping specific coping strategies are more or
less effective depending on the nature of the stressor, the time-course of the
transaction and the skill with which coping is applied (Pearlin & Schooler,
- TRAITS, STATES, AND INTELLECTUAL FUNCTIONING 163
FIG. 6.7. State change in tasks associated with (a) loss of task disengagement,
and (b) distress.