Final answer:
A primary appraisal of a stressor is the initial assessment of its potential threat or challenge to one's well-being. An example is how a student views upcoming graduation as either a threat due to uncertainties or a challenge with opportunities for growth. Primary appraisal significantly shapes the individual's response to stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of a primary appraisal can be seen in how a college student perceives an upcoming graduation: as a potential threat if they view it as leading to uncertain job prospects and financial instability, or as a challenge if they see it as an opportunity for growth and achievement.
This initial assessment dictates whether an event is seen as a threat or challenge, setting the stage for coping mechanisms and potential stress.
Primary appraisal is pivotal since it dictates the individual's perception of the stressor, and this perception significantly influences their psychological and physiological responses.
If an individual determines that the stressor presents a significant threat and surpasses their coping resources, they are more likely to experience stress, whereas seeing the stressor as manageable or as a challenge can lead to positive engagement and less stress.
In the context provided, an employee viewing a promotion as an excessive work demand would represent a primary appraisal viewing the situation as a threat, whereas seeing it as an opportunity for professional growth would be an appraisal viewing it as a challenge.