What is the focus of the cognitive-transaction model regarding stress?

The cognitive-transaction model emphasizes the interdependent relationship between stress and physical health. According to this model, stress is not viewed merely as a response to external pressures but as a dynamic interaction between a person and their environment. This perspective recognizes that an individual's perception of stressors, their cognitive appraisal of these challenges, and their coping mechanisms play crucial roles in determining the impact of stress on both mental and physical well-being.

By framing stress and health as interrelated, the cognitive-transaction model highlights that chronic or unmanaged stress can lead to negative health outcomes, while also acknowledging that a person's physical health can influence their experience of stress. This mutual influence indicates that addressing either aspect can benefit the other, making it an essential concept in both counseling and health promotion.