Which of the following is an example of a primary appraisal of a stressor?

• A. Deciding what coping resources are available to deal with the stressor
• B. Determining whether a situation is threatening, challenging, or harmless
• C. Reflecting on how well you handled a similar situation in the past
• D. Planning specific steps to manage the stressor

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that primary appraisal is the initial evaluation of a stressor to determine its significance to the individual. It involves assessing whether the situation is threatening, challenging, or harmless.
2. Recognize that primary appraisal focuses on the nature of the stressor itself, not on how to cope with it or past experiences.
3. Identify that deciding what coping resources are available is part of secondary appraisal, which comes after primary appraisal.
4. Note that reflecting on past handling or planning specific steps to manage the stressor are also components of secondary appraisal or coping strategies, not primary appraisal.
5. Conclude that the example which involves determining whether a situation is threatening, challenging, or harmless best represents primary appraisal.