Cognitive Appraisal and Stress Response

Very Hard Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, Personality Stress And Health

Consider the following scenario: Maria is a college student who manages a tight schedule filled with classes, part-time work, and extracurricular activities. Despite her efforts to maintain good grades and participate in social events, she often feels overwhelmed and anxious, leading her to experience frequent headaches and fatigue. In an attempt to cope with these symptoms, Maria begins to practice mindfulness meditation, which she learns can help reduce stress levels.

Based on the cognitive appraisal theory proposed by Richard Lazarus, how might Maria's perception of her stressor influence her physiological and psychological response to stress?

Her physiological responses will remain constant regardless of her appraisal of the situation.

A positive appraisal of her workload will likely amplify her stress responses.

If she perceives her workload as a challenge rather than a threat, it may lead to more adaptive coping mechanisms.

Minimizing her workload is the only way to alleviate her stress, regardless of her cognitive appraisal.

Cognitive appraisal does not influence psychological responses, only physiological responses.

Hint

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