During their third year at college, Tammy and Timothy both lost their part-time jobs in the library due to funding cutbacks. Tammy was mildly disturbed, shrugged her shoulders, and said she'd soon get another job. Timothy was distraught and believed he might have to quit college. Their different reactions to the same stressful event emphasize the importance of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tammy and Timothy's different reactions suggest that they appraised the same event differently. Tammy had a more positive appraisal of the situation, while Timothy had a more negative appraisal, which influenced their emotional and behavioral responses. This highlights the importance of cognitive appraisals in determining individuals' responses to stressors. Gender and cultural differences may also play a role, but they are not specifically mentioned or emphasized in this scenario. Quantifying major life events in terms of life change units may be relevant in assessing overall stress levels, but it is not directly related to the difference in Tammy and Timothy's responses to losing their jobs.

During Their Third Year at College, Tammy and Timothy Both