question_answer

Discuss cognitive theory of stress.

Answer:

Ans.     Stress is a dynamic cognitive state. It is state of mental disequilibrium.

According to Lazarus, an individual’s response to stressor largely depends upon the perceived event and how they are appraised or interpreted.

Primary appraisal refers to the perception of a new or changing environment as positive, neutral or negative in its consequences.

Negative events are evaluated for their possible harm, threat or challenge.

(a) Harm is the assessment of damage already been done.

(b) Threat is the assessment of possible future damage.

(c) Challenge is associated with confidence to cope with stressor, overcoming it and taking advantage of the event.

If we perceive an event as stressful on the basis of primary appraisal, we most probably try to make secondary appraisal.

Secondary appraisal is the assessment of ones coping and resources available to meet the harm, threat and challenge of the event.

These appraisals are very subjective and based on many factors like stressors intensity durability, complexity and predictability.

It also depends on person characteristics like physical health, mental health, temperament, self-concept and cultural background.

Appraisals are also determined by individual’s resources like money, medical care, skills, coping style, social and professional support and last but not the least is spirituality in the individual.