ABSTRACT
In theory and research on stress and anxiety, the role of situational characteristics has been emphasized. Starting from an interactional perspective, Magnusson (1981, 1982) pointed to the need for more systematic and detailed knowledge concerning the perceived qualities of situations as important determinants of individual stress and anxiety. In such a model anxiety is seen as the reflection of a continuous and bidirectional person-situation interaction process. A crucial role in this process is assigned to the perceptual-cognitive system of the individual. This system determines which situations to seek or avoid and what to expect of these situations, to which elements in a situation one should attend, and how to appraise these elements. It further determines the strategies used to cope with demands and threats.
