Question

Refer to the excerpt given below on Richard Lazarus’ theory of Cognitive Appraisal and answer the question that follows.

The concept of Cognitive Appraisal is rooted in the work of the psychologist Richard Lazarus, who held that stress is not an automatic response to an event, but rather the result of our mental interpretation of it. In general, cognitive appraisal theorists have noticed that people experience different emotions in response to the same event. This has led them to think about how people interpret events differently, ultimately leading them to experience different emotions. (Source (edited): Psychology of Human Emotion: An Open Access Textbook by Michelle Yarwood)

Examine two ways of Cognitive Appraisal to account for the difference in people’s reaction to the same event.

Answer 1

According to Richard Lazarus' theory, there are two types (or stages) of cognitive analysis that explain why people react differently to the same situation. These are primary appraisal and secondary appraisal.

1. Primary Appraisal: This is the initial evaluation where a person determines the significance of an event asking, “Am I in trouble or being challenged?”
   • How it accounts for differences: Different reactions occur when one individual perceives an event (such as a sudden job change) as a threat (the potential for loss or harm), which causes worry. Another person may see the same occurrence as a challenge (opportunity for progress), resulting in inspiration or excitement.
2. Secondary Appraisal: This is the assessment of one’s coping resources and options asking, “What can I do about this, and do I have the tools to handle it?”
   • How it accounts for differences: Even if two people see an event as threatening, their reactions will differ depending on their perceived ability to handle it. A person who believes they have the skills, money, or social support to handle the problem will be less anxious (a “can-do” attitude) than someone who believes they lack resources and are thus helpless.