Final answer:
Schooler's study indicated that cognitive appraisals influence how a situation is perceived as threatening, with primary and secondary appraisals determining how individuals react to potential stressors and their consequent stress levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Schooler (1982) showed that the presence of cognitive appraisals affected the likelihood that a particular situation would be defined as threatening. This principle can be seen within the domain of stress psychology, emphasizing that individual perceptions and evaluations of potential stressors play a critical role in determining whether they are seen as threats, which can affect a person's stress response and well-being.
A critical element of stress as defined by Lazarus & Folkman (1984) is the importance of cognitive appraisals. This involves the process where an individual perceives and responds to events judged as overwhelming or threatening to their well-being. Primary appraisal is the initial determination of whether a stressor poses a threat, while secondary appraisal involves evaluating one's coping resources and options for dealing with the stressor. These appraisals profoundly influence individual reactions to stressors and their consequent stress levels.
For instance, in the scenario involving Robin and Madhuri who both discovered a lump in their breast, their secondary appraisals differed and shaped their stress responses. Robin's catastrophic thinking led to a greater stress response compared to Madhuri's more optimistic viewpoint towards her coping options. It emphasizes that an individual's perception of their ability to cope with a potential threat significantly affects their level of stress resultant from that situation.