Question

Describe how coping and appraisals are involved in the stress and coping paradigm.

Answer 1

The cognitive appraisal theory by lazarus explains how our cognitive appraisals have an effect on stress. According to this theory, we appraise our situations to be stressful or nor and whether the stressor is a threat or challenge.This means that the evaluation of the situation is done and assessment is made whether the situation is stressful or not. The stressor could be interpreted as a threat or a positive challenge.

For Example: On a weekend trip, you forget to take your phone along with you, you could either interpret it as a positive thing that no one will disturb you on your trip or it could be a source of stress as you think that if in emergency you wanted to contact someone you will not be able to do it. The situation could subsequently be viewed as a threat or a challenge.