Final answer:
A secondary appraisal involves evaluating available coping options and their potential effectiveness when faced with a stressor. This type of appraisal significantly influences stress management and perception of coping efficacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process you're asking about is called a secondary appraisal. It is an evaluation that involves both assessing the coping options available when faced with a stressor and predicting the potential success of these coping strategies. Secondary appraisal is crucial because it impacts how individuals manage their stress and it determines the perceived effectiveness of the available coping options. As illustrated in the example with Robin and Madhuri, Robin's secondary appraisal leads to greater stress due to a pessimistic outlook on the effectiveness of coping strategies, whereas Madhuri's more optimistic secondary appraisal, coupled with her belief in effective coping options, results in less stress.