The perception of stress as a positive or negative experience depends on which of the following?

• A. The number of hours spent sleeping
• B. The presence of social media in daily life
• C. An individual's appraisal of the stressor
• D. The amount of physical exercise performed

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in psychology, stress perception is influenced by cognitive appraisal, which refers to how an individual evaluates or interprets a stressor.
2. Recognize that the number of hours spent sleeping, presence of social media, and amount of physical exercise are factors that can influence stress levels but do not directly determine whether stress is seen as positive or negative.
3. Focus on the concept of 'appraisal' which involves two key types: primary appraisal (evaluating if the stressor is a threat, challenge, or benign) and secondary appraisal (evaluating coping resources and options).
4. Identify that an individual's appraisal of the stressor determines whether they perceive the stress as a positive challenge (eustress) or a negative threat (distress).
5. Conclude that the perception of stress as positive or negative depends primarily on the individual's cognitive appraisal of the stressor, not on external factors like sleep, social media, or exercise.