What is Cognitive Appraisal? Lazarus stated that cognitive appraisal occurs when a person considers two major factors that majorly contribute in his response to stress. These two factors include: The threatening tendency of the stress to the individual, and The assessment of resources required to minimize, tolerate or eradicate the stressor and the stress it produces. In general, cognitive appraisal is divided into two types or stages: primary and secondary appraisal. See also: Schachter-Singer Theory of Emotion