AbstractThis article questions traditional conceptions of stress and coping and presents a more comprehensive analysis of stress management. Sources of stress are expanded to include various intrapsychic and interpersonal stressors. The evolution of coping strategies is described, culminating in proactive, collective, creative, existential and spiritual coping. The resource–congruence model posits that coping is effective to the extent that appropriate resources are available and congruent coping strategies are employed. The model emphasizes the importance of developing resources in anticipation of exigencies, and the need for acquiring cultural knowledge as to what coping strategies are suitable for a given stresso