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Prediction of stress appraisals from mastery, extraversion, neuroticism, and general appraisal tendencies

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Abstract

Several personality dimensions (mastery, extraversion, and neuroticism) and a new General Appraisal Measure were used to predict stress appraisals made by college students in specific situations. Using multiple-regression techniques, mastery and general appraisal tendencies predicted appraisals for an intellectual task. Path analysis supported a structural model with general appraisal tendencies as a mediator between mastery and specific appraisal. In the second study mastery, extraversion, neuroticism, and general appraisal tendencies predicted appraisals for an academic stressor. Path analysis again supported the mediational nature of general appraisal tendencies from personality variables to specific appraisal. We discuss a potential causal mechanism between personality dimensions and appraisal patterns.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, 68588-0308, Lincoln, Nebraska

    S. H. Hemenover & Richard A. Dienstbier

Authors
  1. S. H. Hemenover
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  2. Richard A. Dienstbier
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Correspondence to S. H. Hemenover.

Additional information

The authors wish to thank the many students who acted as experimenters in Study 2 and helped with data entry. Special thanks go to James Johnson, Ann Schuller, Lori Schumacher, and Brandon Vancura for all their hard work. Thanks also go to Gus Carlo for comments on an earlier draft of this manuscript.

Portions of this research were presented at the 68th annual meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association May 2–4, 1996.

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Hemenover, S.H., Dienstbier, R.A. Prediction of stress appraisals from mastery, extraversion, neuroticism, and general appraisal tendencies. Motiv Emot 20, 299–317 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02856520

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