| Abstract: | Our hypothesis was that cognitive appraisal of stress changes with cognitive development. Two systems of scoring categories. Evaluation of Stakes and Evaluation of Action, were developed that explained predictable trends in the organization of appraisal in the direction of maturity. They were validated using interview data from 79 participants with chronic illness in 3 age groups: ages 8 to 9, l 1 to 12, and 14 to I h. Data indicated that concrete appraisals were organized around pressing events and rules, whereas formal abstract appraisals reflected the personal context of stress and internalized standards for behavior. Analysis of the emotional meaning of stress suggested that chronically ill adolescents in this sample were experiencing frustration and anger. |
