Stress Appraisal Research Articles

Sex Differences in Coping Strategies and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Taiwanese Police Officers

This study compares Taiwanese male and female police officers’ work stress and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data derived from 1,329 male and 225 female police officers between May and July 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that male officers experienced more family-work stress than their female colleagues. Male officers were more likely to engage in avoidance coping and used humor to cope with stress. On the contrary, female officers were more inclined to adopt emotion regulation strategies and distraction to cope with stress. Supervisor support was found to be positively associated with officers’ well-being and negatively connected with officers’ stress. Humor and self-distraction were found to be positively associated with officers’ well-being, whereas avoidance and negative stressor appraisal of COVID-19 were negatively connected with well-being. Policy implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

To Leave or to Stay? Research on the Double-Edged Sword Effect of Illegitimate Tasks on Employee Turnover Intention.

Purpose: This study explores the double-edged sword impact of illegitimate tasks on turnover intention and how this influence is manifested. Design/methodology/approach: Multisource data were collected from employees in different industries in South China at two points in time. The hypotheses were tested with hierarchical multiple regression analysis in combination with PROCESS macro-based bootstrapping. Findings: Illegitimate tasks can both weaken employees' turnover intention by triggering challenge stressor appraisal and enhance employees' turnover intention by triggering hindrance stressor appraisal. The research results confirm the double-edged sword effect of illegitimate tasks on employees' turnover intention. Practical implications: To mitigate employees' turnover intention and reduce turnover rates, organizational managers need to pay attention to the negative impact of illegitimate tasks and be concerned about employees' subjective cognition of these tasks. Additionally, organizations must optimize work design to reduce unnecessary tasks and assign unreasonable tasks to suitable employees. Originality/value: Based on the cognitive appraisal theory of stress, this study constructs a double-edged sword effect model. The results show that illegitimate tasks not only have negative impacts on employee turnover intention but also have potential positive impacts through two mediating pathways: challenge stressor appraisal and hindrance stressor appraisal. The research results indicate that illegitimate tasks have both a dark side and a bright side.

Timing matters in stress appraisal: The relationship between retrospective appraisal and stress responses

BackgroundAlthough psychosocial stressors are known to impact task performance and trigger neuroendocrine responses, the dynamic nature of the stress appraisal process is often neglected in research. GoalThis study aims to explore whether self-reported appraisals at various time points can accurately represent an individual’s behavioral and physiological stress responses. MethodsA total of 137 participants were recruited to induce individual stress states using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Self-reported appraisals were measured both before (anticipatory appraisal) and after the stressor (retrospective appraisal) to capture the dynamic process. Concurrently, participants' cortisol responses and task performances were documented. ResultsFindings indicate that anticipatory appraisal does not significantly reflect task performance. In contrast, retrospective appraisal is strongly associated with the performance of corresponding tasks. Regarding cortisol levels, significantly negative results of multiple regression analysis revealed that the retrospective appraisal of the speech task is the sole variable to represent the cortisol response under stress. DiscussionThe results highlight that retrospective appraisals could represent individuals’ behavioral and physiological responses to stressors more accurately than anticipatory appraisals. These findings provide empirical evidence for choosing the appropriate timing to acquire accurate self-reported appraisals and also help to build a mapping relationship between self-reported, behavioral, and physiological data.

When knowledge workers meet AI? The double-edged sword effects of AI adoption on innovative work behavior

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption on knowledge workers' innovative work behaviors (IWB), as well as the mediating role of stress appraisal and the moderating role of individual learning abilities. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzed the questionnaire results of 313 knowledge workers, and data analysis was conducted by using SPSS 25.0, SPSS 25.0 macro-PROCESS and AMOS 28.0. Findings This study found that AI adoption has a double-edged sword effect on knowledge workers' IWB. Specifically, AI adoption can promote IWB by enhancing knowledge workers' challenging stress appraisal, while inhibiting IWB by fostering their hindering stress appraisal. Moreover, individual learning ability significantly moderated the relationship between AI adoption and stress appraisal, which further influenced IWB. Originality/value This study integrates the conflicting findings of previous studies and proposes a comprehensive theoretical model based on the theory of cognitive appraisal of stress. This study enriches the research on AI in the field of knowledge management, especially extending the understanding of the relationship between AI adoption and knowledge workers’ IWB by unraveling the psychological mechanisms and behavior outcomes of users' technology usage. Additionally, we provide new insights and suggestions for organizations to seek the cooperation and support of employees in introducing new technologies or driving intelligent transformation.

A broad appraisal of decompression-induced physiological stress in different simulated dive profiles

Background: The present study was designed to observe if different decompression profiles, calculated as a function of tissue supersaturation during ascent, would result in significantly different outcomes, measured through different physiological stress indicators, even in the absence of symptoms of decompression sickness. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate if simulated decompression profiles would affect the immune system, oxidative stress indicators, and heart rate variability. Methods: A total of 23 volunteers participated in two different experimental protocols in a dry hyperbaric chamber. These simulated dives comprised two different compression–decompression arrangements with the same maximum pressure and duration but different decompression profiles. Results: The shallow decompression profile with shorter deeper stops and longer shallow stops presented an increase in the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal R-R interval (a wide indicator of overall variability); the deep decompression profile with longer deeper stops and shorter shallow stops did not exhibit such increase. The shallow decompression profile resulted in an increase in neutrophil count and its microparticles (MPs), but no changes were observed for platelet count and its MPs, as well as for endothelial-derived MPs. In contrast, the deep decompression profile resulted in no changes in neutrophil count and its MPs, but a decrease in platelet count along with an increase in MPs from both platelets and endothelial cells. The observed difference might be related to different levels of decompression-related activation of immune system responses and oxidative processes triggered by different levels of inert gas supersaturation upon surfacing. Conclusion: From previous results and literature data, we present a tentative schematic of how the velocity of ascent would trigger (or not) pro-inflammatory and immune system responses that could ultimately lead to the development of decompression sickness. Relevance for patients: Increasing safety in exposure to hyperbaric environments and subsequent decompression by evaluating individual physiological responses to the process.

Suicidality, perceived chronic stress, and stress-induced cortisol changes of individuals with schizophrenia.

The associations of suicidality with stress are poorly studied in schizophrenia. The study aimed to determine whether suicidality was correlated with perceived chronic stress and the cortisol fluctuations under stress tasks in schizophrenia. High suicidality was defined as a lifetime history of suicide attempts or suicidal ideation in the past 2weeks. Individuals with schizophrenia and high suicidality (SZ-HS, n=59), with low suicidality (SZ-LS, n=207), and healthy controls (HC, n=196) finished the Perceived Stress Scale. Then, they participated in an experiment that induced stress using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task and the Mirror Tracing Persistence Task. Negative affect was measured at baseline and after finishing each task. The salivary cortisol was collected before-, after 20min, and after 40min of the tasks. SZ-HS had elevated perceived stress than SZ-LS and HC. Mixed effect models showed that stress tasks induced cortisol changes in all groups; cortisol of SZ-LS was reduced more than HC, but SZ-HS and SZ-LS did not differ in cortisol fluctuations. SZ-HS and SZ-LS experienced similar negative affect changes during tasks and the difference in withdrawal rates was nonsignificant. SZ-HS had an increased error rate than SZ-LS. In conclusion, suicidality was correlated with high-level perceived stress but did not result in differences in cortisol reactivities under stress tasks. It suggests the inconsistency between appraisal of stress and biological stress system disturbance among SZ-HS compared to SZ-LS.

Abstract C060: Social isolation and secondary appraisal mediate the association between race and functional well-being among prostate cancer survivors

Abstract Background: Disparities in prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality persist among African Americans. Functional well-being plays a crucial role in the prognosis and survival of PCa patients. Prior studies show the association between African American race and health-related quality of life among PCa patients. However, no studies have examined possible mediational processes linking race to functional well-being in this population. Objective: To assess the association between race and functional well-being and the mediating pathways of clinical, social determinants, and psychological factors in PCa patients. Methods: We used clinic-based cohort data of PCa patients treated with radical prostatectomy from April 2017 through September 2021. We measured functional well-being, socioeconomic factors, social stressors, perceived stress, and primary and secondary appraisal by self-report. We obtained clinical variables such as disease stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and comorbidities through electronic medical records. We first conducted a path analysis based on linear regression to test the direct association between race and functional well-being, adjusting for age, marital status, education level, employment status, and income. We concurrently examined the mediational pathways linking race to functional well-being via mediators, including stage, PSA, primary appraisal, secondary appraisal, perceived stress, and social isolation. Results: A total of 163 participants (48 African American, 115 White) with a mean age of 66.7 years (SD=6.31) were included in the study. Participants' mean score of functional well-being was 20.32 (SD=6.70; Range=0-28). Compared to White individuals, African American participants exhibited significantly lower levels of functional well-being (b [95% CI] = -3.09 [-5.48, -0.72]). Mediation analyses linking race to functional well-being revealed that, compared to Whites, African Americans displayed significantly lower levels of secondary appraisal (b [95% CI] = -1.45 [-2.85, -0.05]), which, in turn, were associated with higher levels of functional well-being (b [95% CI] = 0.27 [0.01, 0.53]). In addition, African Americans also displayed higher levels of social isolation (b [95% CI] = 0.55 [0.14, 0.97]), which were significantly associated with lower levels of functional well-being (b [95% CI] = -0.91 [-1.64, -0.17]). Both indirect effects of race → secondary appraisal → functional well-being (b [95% CI] = -0.39 [-0.88, -0.01]) and race → social isolation → functional well-being (b [95% CI] = -0.50 [-1.06, -0.02]) were significant and explained 12.6% and 16.2%, respectively, of the total relationship between race and functional well-being. Conclusion: Social isolation and secondary appraisal mediate the association between race and functional well-being among prostate cancer survivors. There is a need to understand the lived experiences of Black men and develop interventions that mitigate the impact of social barriers and psychological stressors on functional well-being to advance health equity. Citation Format: Fatimata Sanogo, Junhan Cho, Trista Beard, Chanita Hughes Halbert. Social isolation and secondary appraisal mediate the association between race and functional well-being among prostate cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C060.

A stress-coping analysis of ‘stranded’ Australians seeking repatriation during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Objective The COVID-19 pandemic declared in early 2020 led to the closure of Australia’s international borders and the stranding of thousands of Australians overseas. We surveyed “stranded” Australians pre- and post-repatriation to evaluate their stress-coping responses at the time and the longer-term impacts of their experience. Method Stranded Australians (n = 587; 18–70 years of age; M = 40.15, SD = 11.90) completed a survey measuring COVID-19 impact, stressor appraisal and coping strategy, and psychological adjustment, and 203 of them completed a follow-up survey of psychological adjustment and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms post-repatriation. Results Path analysis showed that “primary” appraisals of the repatriation situation (i.e. as a threat or challenge) were positively associated with negative affect, use of avoidant coping, and poorer psychological adjustment. Although the follow-up survey revealed improvements in psychological adjustment, initial use of avoidant coping was associated with higher levels of PTSD post-repatriation. Conclusion Primary appraisals and avoidant coping were associated with poorer psychological adjustment and longer-term PTSD symptomatology. The results highlight the need for ongoing mental health support for repatriated Australians and call for higher prioritisation of practical and mental health support in the event of future border closures.

Work stressors and aggressive driving: The mediating roles of stress appraisals

While the association between work stressors and the risk of traffic accidents and driving lapses has been established, there is a lack of research exploring the relationship between work stressors and aggressive driving—a notable contributor to traffic incidents and injuries. To fill this gap, the present study utilized the challenge-hindrance stressor framework and the transactional theory of stress to investigate the effects of these stressors on aggressive driving behaviors, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of challenge and hindrance appraisals. We used time-lagged design and gathered self-reported data from 247 employees at a Chinese company over three distinct time points. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that both challenge and hindrance stressors are positively associated with aggressive driving, with their effects mediated by corresponding appraisals of challenge and hindrance. Notably, challenge appraisals were inversely related to aggressive driving. Our study is one of the first attempts to explore the relationship between work stressors and aggressive driving, underscoring the critical role of stress appraisals in understanding responses to stressors.

Effects of Psychoeducation on Caregivers of Individuals Experiencing Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The existing paradigm on recovery in mental health prioritises self-empowerment and person-centred, community-based care, which necessitates family caregivers' collaboration to support individuals with schizophrenia in the community. However, the role of family caregivers is often under-recognised and hence insufficiently supported. This consequently compromises caregivers' well-being and, ultimately, the recovery of individuals with schizophrenia. Although caregiver-targeted psychoeducation may offer practical support, its effectiveness lacks conclusive evidence. This review aimed to evaluate the impacts of psychoeducation on caregiver-related outcomes (caregiver burden, quality of life and expressed emotion). Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to September 2023, supplemented by hand searching of end-reference lists. Two reviewers independently conducted title and abstract screening with predetermined eligibility criteria. A third reviewer was consulted to resolve any discrepancies. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled effect sizes alongside subgroup and sensitivity analyses where appropriate. Twenty-one studies (totalling 1639 caregivers) were included, based on which psychoeducation contributed to a statistically significant improvement in caregiver-related outcomes. Given substantial heterogeneity, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were done for the durations and the evaluative scales for psychoeducation. Quality appraisal revealed unclear or high bias in most studies. Notwithstanding the heterogeneity, the directions of the effect sizes consistently indicated the effectiveness of psychoeducation across all outcomes. This finding aligned with Lazarus' stress appraisal and coping theory, which states that psychoeducation improves caregivers' knowledge, coping mechanisms and situation appraisal. Our findings offer encouraging evidence to advocate the integration of psychoeducation into healthcare services, but policy-based support is warranted for sustained implementation. Further research is merited to optimise its duration and content and appraise its long-term impacts through disease-specific scales for objective and subjective outcomes.

Burnout among behavioral healthcare workers during the pandemic

ABSTRACT We present the findings of a statewide survey of behavioral healthcare providers based in New England conducted in November 2021. The study included a measure of COVID-19 stress and the Copenhagen Burnout Scale. The sample was mostly white, female and 45 years of age or older. Overall, the stresses causing the most concern were related to financial issues, the infection of loved ones, and concerns about social distancing and quarantining. We found elevated rates of stress appraisal among people of color. With respect to burnout, women had higher levels of burnout as did those in the youngest age groups in the sample. We found a strong association between COVID-19 stress appraisal and burnout, both at the zero-order level and in the OLS multiple regression model. Implications for the behavioral healthcare workplace are discussed.

Conquering knowledge exchange barriers with age differences: A stress appraisal perspective on the consequences of upward social comparisons

Conquering knowledge exchange barriers with age differences: A stress appraisal perspective on the consequences of upward social comparisons

Look on the bright side: the relation between family values, positive aspects of care and caregiver burden

Family-centered values are important for caregiving. However, findings on their association with burden are inconsistent. We aim to analyze whether positive aspects of caregiving are mediating the effect of familism on burden among informal caregivers of older adults in Germany. Participants (n = 277) were drawn from the Attitudes Toward Informal Caregivers (ATTIC) project and include informal long-term caregivers of older relatives (aged ≥ 60) quota-sampled from Germany (December 2023). Mediation analyses (linear OLS regression) with robust standard errors were conducted with the classic and the counterfactual causal mediation framework. The classic approach indicated a significant positive direct effect of familism on burden, a significant negative direct effect of PAC on burden and a significant negative indirect effect of familism via PAC on burden; the total effect was not significant. The causal mediation approach supports this; the interaction between familism and PAC was not significant. Thus, sociocultural family-centered values seemed to worsen burden but also to reduce it through positive experiences of caregiving, which did not depend on the strength of familism values. The findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the stress appraisal of the informal care situation and emphasize the role of positive experiences of care.

The Challenge-Hindrance-Threat Appraisal Framework and the Differential Effects on Employees' Work Well-Being and Behaviors.

Considering the current economic and employment landscape, marked by high levels of uncertainty and challenges, this study introduces the challenge-hindrance-threat appraisal (CHTA) framework to examine workplace stress, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked role of threat appraisal. Across three studies using independent samples and multi-wave survey data, our research provides evidence supporting the CHTA framework and reveals the differential effects of three types of stress appraisals on the work-related well-being and behaviors of individuals. Specifically, Study 1 establishes the three-factor structure of CHTA, confirming its robust psychometric properties in each appraisal dimension. Study 2 demonstrates that threat appraisals offer unique insights into stress-related outcomes, beyond challenge and hindrance appraisals. Study 3 reveals that challenge appraisals foster learning behavior through enhancing work engagement and reduce turnover intentions through alleviating emotional exhaustion. Conversely, threat appraisals escalate turnover intentions through intensifying emotional exhaustion. Interestingly, hindrance appraisals exhibit no significant effect on either work engagement or emotional exhaustion, precluding any indirect influence on learning behavior or turnover intentions. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of differentiating between the three types of cognitive appraisals of stress-namely, challenge, hindrance, and threat appraisals-in stress management in order to enhance employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.

"I feel like a fish out of water": interpreting the occupational stress and well-being experiences of professional classical musicians.

Professional classical musicians operate within a highly demanding environment, which includes organizational, social, and emotional demands. When not effectively coped with, these demands may cause stress and negatively impact well-being. This qualitative study explored the perceived stress and well-being experiences of professional classical musicians through a transactional theory of stress. The study employed a double hermeneutic interpretation of the lived experiences of the perceived demands faced, stress appraisals made, resources used, and the influence on well-being. Six professional classical musicians were purposefully selected for participation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and participants reflected on two events: one they perceived as a positive experience and one that was negative. Transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Group Experiential Themes emerged. Three Group Experiential Themes were identified: (a) Performance Demands; (b) Organizational Demands; and, (c) Relationship Demands. Participants predominantly appraised demands as a threat. A small number of demands were appraised as a challenge or benefit, and the fewest demands were appraised as causing harm or loss. Participants' appraisals were informed by underlying properties of stress appraisal such as self and other comparison, and preparation. Participants often relied on personal resources as opposed to available workplace resources. They perceived well-being to relate to stress appraisals with participants experiencing acute and long-term outcomes. This study offers insight into the lived experience of the occupational stress process within professional classical musicians. The findings demonstrate that organizational interventions targeted at continuing professional development and social support are appropriate to help musicians cope more effectively with demands.

Self-Compassion and Emotion Dysregulation Mediate the Effect of Stress Appraisals on Elder Abuse and Neglect Behaviors in Dementia Family Caregiving.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the mechanistic process by which family caregivers' situational stress appraisals of behavioral symptoms of dementia (BSD) increase the likelihood of a caregiver engaging in abusive and neglectful behaviors toward their care recipient with dementia. We test the hypotheses that (1) the effect of daily BSD stress appraisals on elder abuse and neglect (EAN) is mediated by the caregivers' emotion dysregulation (2) and the mediation path is moderated by self-compassion. This study employed a multitime series design in which participants (N = 453) completed traditional longitudinal surveys at enrollment followed by 21 sequential days of diary surveys (n = 9,513). The hypothesized moderated mediation path was evaluated through a multilevel structural equation model. Hypotheses were supported. At the within-person level, daily BSD stress appraisal has a significant direct effect on daily EAN. At the between-person level, the path was no longer significant implying a full mediation of emotion dysregulation. The main effect of self-compassion and the interaction term (emotion dysregulation × self-compassion) were also statistically significant indicating the path between emotion dysregulation and EAN is moderated by self-compassion. This study significantly advances the field by empirically showing a mechanistic pathway for a theoretical explanation of EAN. These findings represent a breakthrough for the field and identify modifiable intervention targets for future behavioral interventions to prevent EAN. Emotion (dys)regulation and self-compassion are modifiable traits and skills that can be learned, with robust evidence bases of efficacious interventions that can be adapted for context to dementia family caregiving.

Using RECAST theory to examine racial stress appraisal across high schools: Differences in racial threat and support

Data from 318 diverse high school students from three different types of high schools in the United States were collected. School types varied by location (e.g., suburban, urban), size, and student demographics (e.g., race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the factor structure of the STRESS-Y. Mean comparisons were performed to assess variations in Racial Stress Appraisal across different school types. The EFA of the STRESS-Y confirmed its factor structure, supporting its validity as a measure of RSA in youth and we were able to extract two robust factors—Racial Threat Appraisal and Racial Support Appraisal. Mean comparisons revealed that Racial Threat Appraisal and Racial Support Appraisal varied across different school types, highlighting the influence of school context on students' experiences of racial stress. This study provides evidence for the validity of the STRESS-Y as a measure of Racial Stress Appraisal in youth. The findings demonstrate the importance of considering school type as a factor influencing students' experiences of racial stress as well as how support, racial coping, and stress management skills may help mitigate ongoing interpersonal harm that youth are experiencing. The validated measure and the understanding of the factors contributing to Racial Stress Appraisal can inform interventions aimed at supporting students in managing and coping with racial stressors in their respective school environments.

Stressors and coping strategies in esports: a systematic review

ABSTRACT In this systematic review, we provide an overview of stressors and coping strategies in esports, emphasizing the goal of informing applied practice and guiding future research. Guided by the PRISMA guidelines and employing the SPIDER framework, we synthesize findings from 19 studies. Performance stressors such as defeat and performance pressure (e.g. pressure to win) were prominently observed, along with team, social, organizational, and personal stressors. Coping strategies, aligned with Nicholls et al. ((2016). The development of a new sport-specific classification of coping and a meta-analysis of the relationship between different coping strategies and moderators on sporting outcomes. Frontiers in Psychology, 7(11), 1–14), demonstrate internal regulation was the most frequently reported, followed by mastery coping, while goal withdrawal strategies were less frequently reported. Comparing esports to traditional sports highlights the role of social stressors such as social media and public perceptionin esports. However, personal stressors remain relatively unexplored. The review also identifies research gaps in stressor appraisal and communal coping strategies. Future research could delve into personal stressors, considering a wide array of psychological factors, and employing dynamic methodologies. Practical implications revolve around tailored interventions, promoting open communication, mastery coping techniques, and holistic well-being strategies. This review provides a broader understanding of esports stressors and coping strategies, offering a starting point for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing performance and well-being in the distinctive competitive landscape of esports.

“Will they assume I’m racist?” How racial ingroup members’ stereotypical behavior impacts White Americans’ interracial interaction experiences

Three studies ( N = 1,427) examine White Americans’ threat and stress appraisals and coping strategies in imagined inter- and intraracial interactions when a nearby White person does something racist. White individuals report heightened concern about being stereotyped as racist (i.e., metastereotyping) following an ingroup member’s stereotype-confirming (vs. neutral) behavior (Studies 1–3). Moreover, across studies, these heightened metastereotypes predict greater anxiety, which in turn predicts anticipated coping strategies (e.g., increased motivation to disprove the stereotype). Additionally, relative to imagined interactions with a White partner, these consequences of witnessing a White person’s anti-Black bias are significantly stronger with a Black or Latinx (Studies 1 and 2) but not an Asian (Study 3, preregistered) interaction partner. This work highlights how an ingroup member’s racist behavior is a situational stressor for White people during intergroup encounters, engendering coping strategies to protect the self and manage the ensuing interaction.

Constructs of the Stress–Appraisal–Coping Theory and Positive Human Traits as Predictors of Perceived Stress in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Rehabilitation Professions

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often have to cope with high levels of stress. Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) stress–appraisal–coping theory emphasizes the relationship between the individual and the environment, suggesting that a stress response is highly influenced by individual appraisal processes. This study aimed to evaluate constructs of Lazarus and Folkman’s stress–appraisal–coping theory and positive human traits as predictors of perceived stress in a sample of 477 adults with MS. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine the incremental variance in perceived stress accounted for by demographic covariates, functional disabilities, challenge appraisal, and positive human traits. Core self-evaluations, challenge appraisal, limitations in social/cognitive functioning, agency hope, and age were significant predictors in the final model, accounting for 68% of the variance in perceived stress scores (R2= .68,f2= 2.13; large effect size). Core self-evaluations and challenge appraisal were the strongest predictors of perceived stress. The findings from this study will help rehabilitation professionals develop empirically supported stress management and well-being interventions, enabling people with MS to cope effectively with stressors and challenges and improve their health and well-being.