12 Questions
What is the primary source of stress?
Environmental threats and challenges
What is the purpose of primary appraisal?
To evaluate the threat in the present situation
What is the difference between a benign and a stressful response to primary appraisal?
A benign response sees the threat as beneficial, while a stressful response sees it as potentially harmful
According to Richard Lazarus' theory, what is the role of cognitive appraisal in stress?
Cognitive appraisal triggers stress responses
What is the significance of humans' higher level of cognitive functioning in relation to stress?
It makes the triggering and duration of stress responses more complex and interesting
What is the purpose of secondary appraisal?
To evaluate the individual's ability to cope with the situation
What is the main reason why humans have a more complex stress response compared to other animals?
Their ability to anticipate stressors
What is the primary distinction between primary and secondary appraisal?
Primary appraisal evaluates the threat, while secondary appraisal evaluates the ability to cope
What is the outcome of a stressful primary appraisal?
The individual perceives the threat as potentially harmful or threatening
What is the role of secondary appraisal in Richard Lazarus' theory?
To evaluate the individual's ability to cope with the situation
What is the main determinant of stress, according to Richard Lazarus' theory?
The appraisal of the event
What is the category of secondary appraisal that evaluates the potential future damage that could be caused?
Threat
Study Notes
Stress and Stressors
- Stress arises from the appraisal of environmental threats and challenges, not just the stimulus or response itself.
- A stressor is the threatening or challenging event, such as the puppy dog's teeth in the example.
Primary Appraisal
- The initial evaluation of the threat in the present situation.
- Three categories of response to primary appraisal:
- Irrelevant: the perceived threat is not important or does not affect the individual.
- Benign or positive: the threat may be beneficial or not harmful.
- Stressful: the event is potentially harmful or threatening.
Secondary Appraisal
- Evaluation of the individual's ability to cope with the situation.
- Three categories of secondary appraisal:
- Harm: evaluation of the damage already caused.
- Threat: evaluation of the future damage that could be caused.
- Challenge: evaluation of how the situation can be overcome or conquered.
Human Response to Stress
- Humans have a higher level of cognitive functioning than other animals, allowing them to anticipate stressors.
- This ability to anticipate stressors makes the triggering and duration of stress responses more complex and interesting.
Richard Lazarus' Theory
- Stress arises from the appraisal of events, rather than the events themselves.
- Lazarus proposed a two-stage cognitive appraisal of stress, including primary and secondary appraisal.
Stress and Stressors
- Stress is a response to the appraisal of environmental threats and challenges, not just the stimulus or response itself.
- A stressor is the threatening or challenging event that triggers the stress response.
Primary Appraisal
- Primary appraisal is the initial evaluation of the threat in the present situation.
- There are three categories of response to primary appraisal:
- Irrelevant: the perceived threat is not important or does not affect the individual.
- Benign or positive: the threat may be beneficial or not harmful.
- Stressful: the event is potentially harmful or threatening.
Secondary Appraisal
- Secondary appraisal is the evaluation of the individual's ability to cope with the situation.
- There are three categories of secondary appraisal:
- Harm: evaluation of the damage already caused.
- Threat: evaluation of the future damage that could be caused.
- Challenge: evaluation of how the situation can be overcome or conquered.
Human Response to Stress
- Humans have a higher level of cognitive functioning than other animals, allowing them to anticipate stressors.
- This ability to anticipate stressors makes the triggering and duration of stress responses more complex and interesting.
Richard Lazarus' Theory
- Stress arises from the appraisal of events, rather than the events themselves.
- Lazarus proposed a two-stage cognitive appraisal of stress, including primary and secondary appraisal.
- This theory emphasizes the importance of cognitive evaluation in the experience of stress.
Stress and Stressors
- Stress is a response to the appraisal of environmental threats and challenges, not just the stimulus or response itself.
- A stressor is the threatening or challenging event that triggers the stress response.
Primary Appraisal
- Primary appraisal is the initial evaluation of the threat in the present situation.
- There are three categories of response to primary appraisal:
- Irrelevant: the perceived threat is not important or does not affect the individual.
- Benign or positive: the threat may be beneficial or not harmful.
- Stressful: the event is potentially harmful or threatening.
Secondary Appraisal
- Secondary appraisal is the evaluation of the individual's ability to cope with the situation.
- There are three categories of secondary appraisal:
- Harm: evaluation of the damage already caused.
- Threat: evaluation of the future damage that could be caused.
- Challenge: evaluation of how the situation can be overcome or conquered.
Human Response to Stress
- Humans have a higher level of cognitive functioning than other animals, allowing them to anticipate stressors.
- This ability to anticipate stressors makes the triggering and duration of stress responses more complex and interesting.
Richard Lazarus' Theory
- Stress arises from the appraisal of events, rather than the events themselves.
- Lazarus proposed a two-stage cognitive appraisal of stress, including primary and secondary appraisal.
- This theory emphasizes the importance of cognitive evaluation in the experience of stress.
Explore the concepts of stress, stressors, and primary appraisal in psychology. Learn how individuals respond to threats and challenges in their environment.
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