Final answer:
In a stress potential assessment, three key variables are looked at: the type of stressor (chronic vs. acute), cognitive appraisal (primary and secondary appraisals), and demographic variables which include sex, age, race, education, employment, and income levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three Variables in a Stress Potential Assessment
The concept of stress and its assessment can be quite complex, encompassing various factors that contribute to an individual's experience of stress. In a stress potential assessment, three critical variables are generally examined:
- Type of stressor: This involves identifying whether the stressor is chronic (persisting over an extended period) or acute (a brief focal event). Examples of chronic stressors include long-term unemployment or caregiving for a chronically ill family member, while acute stressors might be events such as accidents or natural disasters.
- Cognitive appraisal: This comprises of primary and secondary appraisals. Primary appraisal assesses the potential harm or benefit a stressor might pose, determining whether it is a threat or a challenge. Meanwhile, secondary appraisal evaluates the resources available to cope with the threat or challenge.
- Demographic variables: Studies have shown that demographic factors such as age, gender, race, education level, employment status, and income can influence stress levels. These variables can help in the understanding of how different groups experience and report stress.
Understanding these variables can provide valuable insights into an individual's potential to experience stress and guide interventions to manage or reduce stress levels.