Which process contributes to how an individual perceives a stressful situation?

Cognitive appraisal refers to the mental process through which an individual evaluates and interprets a situation, determining its significance for their well-being. This evaluation helps an individual decide whether a situation is perceived as stressful or manageable. For example, if someone perceives a job interview as a threatening challenge, their response and coping strategies will differ from someone who views the same interview as an opportunity for growth and learning. Essentially, cognitive appraisal shapes how one emotion is experienced and subsequently influences behavioral responses to stress.

This process involves assessing the potential harm, threat, or challenge posed by the event and evaluating resources available to cope with it. Different individuals may appraise the same situation differently based on their past experiences, beliefs, and coping skills, which further underlines the personal nature of stress perception.

In contrast, behavioral conditioning, social learning, and neurological responses do not directly focus on the impact of subjective assessment and interpretation of a stressor, making cognitive appraisal the most relevant process for understanding how an individual perceives a stressful situation.