How are harm loss appraisals different from threat appraisals according to Lazarus

According to Lazarus' cognitive-mediational theory, harm loss appraisals and threat appraisals are two different types of cognitive appraisals that we make when we encounter a stressful event.

1. Harm/Loss Appraisals: These are assessments of the damage or harm that has already been caused by an event. This could be physical harm, such as injury or illness, or psychological harm, such as a blow to one's self-esteem or a sense of loss. For example, if you've just been fired from your job, you might make a harm/loss appraisal about the financial difficulties this will cause and the damage to your professional reputation.

2. Threat Appraisals: These are assessments of potential future harm that may be caused by an event. This could be a threat to our physical safety, our psychological well-being, or our values. For example, if you've just been given a difficult assignment at work, you might make a threat appraisal about the possibility of failing and the potential consequences this could have for your career.

In summary, the main difference between harm/loss appraisals and threat appraisals according to Lazarus is that harm/loss appraisals are about the damage that has already occurred, while threat appraisals are about potential future damage.