The main aim of this paper is to review basic conceptual and theoretical questions in the field of coping with stress. Some of the questions are: how can we define coping and distinguish it from similar phenomena, and what are the most prominent categories of coping behavior. The contribution of personality and situation factors in shaping coping behavior, i.e. the issue of coping determinants, is also considered. Finally, question is raised of coping efficacy. In this paper coping is seen from the perspective of transactional theory of stress. According to the transactional theory, stress and its consequences are not connected directly, but indirectly, via coping. Theoretical and practical importance of coping, defined as stress mediator, is also discussed in this article.