Lazarus model

In the past couple of weeks, this model popped up so many times that I just have to write about it.

In this model, Lazarus has proven that as a reaction to an event or stress, first comes the Thought, then we feel Emotions, and then we act and show certain Behaviour. The best moment to observe it in action is when we are triggered by something. Often, we notice this only on emotional stage, for example, when we feel awful frustration. It is really hard to think about behaviour when emotions are boiling, and we tend to go with the flow, following the default route and behavioural pattern.

When we are at a calm, conscious state, we can look back and analyse the pattern. Knowing the model, we can figure out the thought or belief that we might want to change in order to adjust the behavioural pattern. Of course, those types of changes take time and effort of catching the trigger and consciously adapting actions, but thanks to neuroplasticity, this is possible. It is like reprogramming our own brain.

Have you ever encountered those situations? What do you think?