The stress appraisal measure (SAM): A multidimensional approach to cognitive appraisal

Abstract Cognitive‐relational theory emphasizes the fundamental role of cognitive appraisal in the stress process. However, existing measures of stress appraisal suffer from conceptual and methodological problems. The present paper reports the development of a new stress appraisal scale that attempts to overcome some of these difficulties. Six dimensions of primary and secondary appraisal were identified: threat, challenge, centrality, controllable‐by‐self, controllable‐by‐others, uncontrollable‐by‐anyone. Items were generated for each of these dimensions, as well as for an overall perceived stressfulness scale. In three studies examining anticipatory stress experienced by undergraduates, these items were subjected to item‐selection, analysis and validation procedures. The findings provide strong support for the psychometric properties of the scales. Two factor analyses showed that the six appraisal dimensions were relatively independent. In multiple regression analyses, threat and centrality consistently emerged as significant predictors of overall stressfulness. The Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM) appears to be a promising instrument for use in future stress research.