Question

In attempt to analyze the movie 28 Days, I need to determine the appraisal of threats experienced by the main character Gwen who is an alcohol and drug addict. What are appraisal of threats? What are some examples and how do you determine what the appraisal of threats are?

Answer 1

*Note: I have used UK English for the answers. Please paste the response on MS Word in order to detect any changes to US English.

(Question) What is an appraisal of threats?

(Answer) The ‘Protection Motivation’ theory was suggested by R.W. Rogers in the year 1975. One of the tangents of that theory is ‘Threat Appraisal’ or appraisal of threats.

This theory can be applied to subjects of a compromised cognition so to say. In the film ‘28 Days’, Sandra Bullock’s character is suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. This causes a vulnerable mental or cognitive state. According to the appraisal of threats theory, the vulnerability of the subject and the extent to which their mental state is compromised, play a key role.

The threat itself is given its due importance in the analysis. However, it focuses mostly on the reaction and adaptability of the subject to several aspects of the threat. Appraisal of threat, therefore, focuses on a compromised mental state can actually make a threat seem like it is more or less than what it actually is. This, in turn, causes the subject to adapt to a situation in extreme ways.

(Question) What are some examples and how do you determine what the appraisal of threats are?

(Answer) The primary indicator of ‘Threat Appraisal’ is taking a look at the mental state of the subject. Substance abuse, depression, fear or disorders make an otherwise ordinary subject, have cognitive anomalies.

Secondly, the environmental conditions or threats need to be considered. Once the threats are determined, a normal course of action to combat the threats can be surmised.

Thirdly, once the subject (dependent variable) and the environment (independent variable) are both well defined, it becomes easier to judge the subject’s actions. In this step, one needs to observe if the subject is maladaptive, hostile or vulnerable in any way. Subjects in these situations usually make ‘a mountain out of a molehill’. Some subjects have a spike in cortisol or testosterone levels which cause aggression, fear and an increased heart rate.

Example: A drunk subject is more likely to get into a bar fight over a silly issue like being called a “bad tipper.” Or an individual suffering from paranoia is more likely to see a “ghost” or an “alien” at an abandoned petrol-pump.