Final answer:
Stress reactions intensify when a stressor is viewed as a threat during the secondary appraisal phase. the correct option is (d).
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary Appraisal:
Primary appraisal is the initial evaluation of whether a situation presents a threat, harm, or challenge.
If a stressor is perceived as a threat during primary appraisal, it triggers the stress response.
Secondary Appraisal:
After the primary appraisal, individuals engage in secondary appraisal, which involves evaluating their ability to cope with the stressor.
If the perceived resources are insufficient to cope with the stressor, stress reactions intensify.
Options:
a. Challenge; primary appraisal: This combination is not accurate, as primary appraisal is the initial assessment of the stressor's nature.
b. Challenge; secondary appraisal: This is not the most likely scenario, as powerful and uncomfortable stress reactions are associated with threat, not challenge.
c. Challenge; secondary appraisal: Similar to option (b), the powerful and uncomfortable stress reactions are more aligned with threat than challenge.
d. Threat; secondary appraisal: Correct. Powerful stress reactions are likely when a stressor is perceived as a threat during secondary appraisal.
Powerful and uncomfortable stress reactions are most likely to occur when a stressor is viewed as a threat during secondary appraisal