Final answer:
The two steps to cognitive appraisal in stress response are primary appraisal, where one evaluates the potential threat of a stressor, and secondary appraisal, where one assesses available coping options and their effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two steps to the cognitive appraisal that determines your response to a stressor are primary and secondary appraisal. In the first step, primary appraisal, the individual evaluates the potential threat or challenge posed by the stressor. For instance, an employee may view a promotion either as a threat due to anticipated excessive work demands or as an opportunity for personal growth. The second step, secondary appraisal, involves assessing the available coping options and the likelihood of their effectiveness. An individual’s sense of self-efficacy, or belief in their ability to manage the situation, plays a significant role here. If one perceives that there are effective options for managing the stressor, it tends to be viewed as less catastrophic.
An example of secondary appraisal differences is seen in the case of two individuals finding a lump during breast self-examination: One views it with high alarm and few coping options, resulting in higher stress levels, while the other perceives various effective medical interventions as available, therefore experiencing less stress. This cognitive process profoundly impacts how we experience and respond to stressors.