C4.2.1 A stressor causes psychological strain

What is coping?

Constantly changing cognitive and behavioural efforts to manage specific external and/or internal demands that are appraised as taxing or exceeding the resources of the person

What is appraisal?

The process by which an individual evaluates what is happening and determines its significance and manageability

What does appraisal involve?

Evaluating what is happening, whether the situation is personally relevant, whether it is perceived as stressful, and whether it is manageable with available resources

What is the purpose of the appraisal process?

To determine whether a situation becomes stressful and to shape the coping response that follows

What is primary appraisal?

The first stage of appraisal where an individual evaluates whether a situation is relevant and stressful

What questions are asked during primary appraisal?

Is this relevant to me? If yes, is it harm/loss, threat, or challenge?

What is harm/loss in primary appraisal?

A situation where damage has already occurred

What is threat in primary appraisal?

A situation where potential harm may occur in the future

What is challenge in primary appraisal?

A situation that presents an opportunity for growth or gain

What is secondary appraisal?

The stage where an individual evaluates their ability to cope with the situation

What questions are asked during secondary appraisal?

Can I control the situation? Do I have sufficient resources to manage the demand?

What does secondary appraisal determine?

Whether the individual has the resources and control to manage the stressor

What happens after appraisal?

The individual engages in a coping response

Are coping responses fixed?

No, they are situational and can change as the individual reappraises the situation

What is problem-focused coping?

Efforts to change the situation or alter the relationship with the stressor

What is emotion-focused coping?

Efforts to manage emotional responses to the stressor

What is avoidance-focused coping?

Efforts to disengage from the stressor

What does avoidance-focused coping involve?

Disengaging from the stressor through behavioural or psychological means