Cognitive Appraisal

Definition

Cognitive appraisal refers to the personal interpretation of a situation; it's how an individual views a situation. There are two stages in cognitive appraisal - primary appraisal (initial evaluation concerning whether there is any associated threat) & secondary appraisal (consideration given as to how well one can cope with the situation).

Related terms

Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

Coping Mechanisms: Strategies that people use to deal with stressful situations.

Emotion-focused Coping: A type of stress management that attempts to reduce negative emotional responses associated with stress.