Which of the following is considered the most important factor in determining a person's response to stress?

• A. The amount of physical exercise the person engages in
• B. The individual's appraisal or interpretation of the stressful event
• C. The presence of external rewards
• D. The person's age and gender

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in psychology, stress response is influenced by multiple factors, but cognitive appraisal plays a central role.
2. Recognize that 'appraisal' refers to how an individual interprets or evaluates a stressful event, which determines their emotional and physiological reaction.
3. Consider the theory of stress by Lazarus and Folkman, which emphasizes that stress arises not just from the event itself but from the person's perception of it.
4. Evaluate why other factors like physical exercise, external rewards, or demographic variables (age and gender) are less central compared to appraisal in determining stress response.
5. Conclude that the individual's appraisal or interpretation of the stressful event is the most important factor in shaping their response to stress.