Stress Appraisal: Primary and Secondary Cognitive Processes in Managing Stressful Events
Overview
This paper examines stress appraisal as a coping mechanism that enables individuals to evaluate and manage stressful events. The author discusses two main stages of stress appraisal—primary appraisal (identifying threat relevance) and secondary appraisal (evaluating coping options)—using job loss as a practical example to illustrate how these complementary processes help reduce stress and support mental health.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to stress appraisal and its importance for coping with stressful events
- Primary appraisal stage: identifying stressfulness and threat relevance using job loss example
- Secondary appraisal stage: evaluating coping strategies and available resources
- Reference list with Gurung (2019) health psychology text
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Stress Appraisal
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Stress Appraisal
Stress appraisal is important because it allows individuals to cope with the stressful happening. In this regard, the stress appraisal strategies are intended to enable the individual evaluate the event. While there are different approaches to stress appraisal, there are two main forms or stages of stress appraisal that are used. First, it is important to note that these two stages are never mutually exclusive, they work together to provide a comprehensive appraisal process.
In the primary appraisal stage, the individual identifies whether the happening is stressful and relevant to him or her. This enables him to identify whether the event poses any mental health threat to him or her. In the case of losing a post office job, it is important for the person to evaluate the potential impacts of the happening. This might include the financial implications and possible effects on his mental health, family wellbeing, among others. This is the best primary appraisal that will equip the person to deal with the diverse issues associated with the condition.
Secondary appraisal is a cognitive procedure that takes place when an individual is pondering about how to cope or deal with a stressful event. It is an important stage that allows the person to identify the available options to alleviate any potential stress and avoid its associated adverse impacts. In the scenario presented, it is important for the person to share with colleagues, family, and friends.