What does Secondary Appraisal assess?

• A. Initial judgement of threat existence
• B. Judgment of whether the person can cope with the harm
• C. Evaluation of whether information is accurate
• D. Assessment of emotional responses

Answer: (B)

In Lazarus and Folkman’s stress-and-coping view, after a situation is deemed a potential threat in primary appraisal, secondary appraisal asks what resources and options are available to cope with it. It’s about whether you believe you can manage the harm or stress, using skills, support, time, or strategies, and how effective those options might be. This includes perceived self-efficacy, available help, and feasible coping methods.

So the best choice reflects this focus on evaluating coping capacity and resources. It isn’t about whether the threat was identified first, whether information is accurate, or how one feels emotionally at that moment.