Final answer:
Secondary appraisal is when we judge the availability and effectiveness of our coping options in stressful situations, influencing our reaction to stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we balance the demands of a potentially stressful situation with our ability to meet these demands, it is called secondary appraisal. This process involves the judgment of the available options to cope with a stressor, as well as perceptions of how effective such options will be. This concept draws on the belief in one's own efficacy to handle tasks and the resulting perception that a threat is less catastrophic if actionable solutions are believed to be available.
As an example, consider two individuals who encounter the same stressor, such as finding a lump during a breast self-examination. One may enter a state of panic, fearing the worst outcomes and feeling helpless. The other, however, might acknowledge the risk while also recognizing the availability of medical interventions and support systems, thus experiencing less stress and viewing the situation as manageable. This reflects the role appraisal plays in augmenting or diminishing our reactions to stressors.