Cognitive appraisal theory, developed by Richard Lazarus, explains how individuals evaluate and interpret events to determine their emotional responses. According to this theory, people assess situations based on two types of appraisals: primary and secondary. Primary appraisal involves determining whether an event is a threat, a challenge, or irrelevant, while secondary appraisal evaluates the resources available to cope with the situation. This process influences how emotions are experienced and expressed. For example, if someone perceives a job loss as a threat, they may feel anxiety. Conversely, if they view it as a challenge, they might feel motivated to seek new opportunities.