primary appraisal

Primary appraisal is the process by which individuals evaluate whether a situation poses a threat, challenge, or is irrelevant to their well-being. When faced with an event, you quickly assess its significance—determining if it’s something you need to address urgently, can handle comfortably, or can ignore. This initial judgment influences your emotional response and the way you approach the situation. Essentially, primary appraisal helps you decide whether the event is worth your concern or action, setting the stage for your subsequent reactions and coping strategies.