Abstract

An integrative model of stress and coping is presented by noting some signs of stalemate or crisis in the area of stress and coping research, although there have been a vast number of publications on sires and coping. For this purpose, the present article is divided into four sections. First, a background knowledge of a control theory on which our integration model is based is provided. Second, an attempt is made to compare the concepts and findings from other researchers and those of a control theory. And it is shown that the concepts, principles, and mechanisms derived from a control theory are well workable to four levels of human being--physico-chemical, psychological, social, and spiritual levels. Third, as a basic tenets of a stress and coping theory, definitions of stress and coping, genesis and intensity of stress, and mechanisms of coping and coping styles are provided. Finally, we conclude by providing some research issues for future studies and by noting some limitations of the present model with some implications in future work.