What type of appraisal can increase feelings of stress?

The correct answer is that both primary and secondary appraisals can increase feelings of stress.

Primary appraisal involves the initial evaluation of a situation to determine its significance, potentially assessing whether it poses a threat or an opportunity. If the individual interprets the situation as a threat to their well-being or a source of harm, this appraisal can lead to increased stress.

Secondary appraisal occurs after the primary appraisal and involves evaluating one's resources and options for coping with the threat. If an individual assesses that they do not have adequate resources to manage the situation, this perception can exacerbate feelings of stress. Ultimately, both kinds of appraisal are crucial in the stress response: while primary appraisal identifies the nature of the stressor, secondary appraisal assesses the ability to cope, and a negative assessment in either can lead to heightened distress.

Understanding the interplay between these appraisals is essential in recognizing how stress responses are formed and can influence coping mechanisms.