Perceptions of Stress

Synonyms

Stress appraisals

Definition

The construals or appraisals of an event that result in the experience of stress. Major theoretical definitions of stress emphasize perception as an important component responsible for the experience of stress. According to Lazarus and Folkman (1984), events are perceived as stressful if they are perceived as (1) relevant to one’s well-being and (2) having the potential for harm or loss. Primary appraisals of demand, difficulty, and/or uncertainty when weighed against secondary appraisals of coping resources and abilities may result in further perceptions of stress as a challenge to be met and overcome (resources outweigh demands) or as a threat to be endured (demands outweigh resources). These resultant perceptions can influence the psychological and physiological responses to the stressor (Tomaka, Blascovich, Kelsey, & Leitten, 1993). Perceptions of a stressful event’s duration (chronic vs. acute), severity, controllability, and predictability...