The present study explored the effects of a workload transition on three dimensions of stress: task engagement, distress, and worry. Previous research on the effects of workload transitions has generated conflicting results. It was suggested that the concept of a continuous stress appraisal process could potentially resolve these prior conflicting results. A digit-processing task with high and low task demands was used to test this suggested explanation. Subjective reports of stress were measured both one minute and six minutes posttransition to show changes over time. The results showed that a workload transition affects each of the three stress dimensions differently such that task engagement declined over time, distress decreased following a high-to-low transition six minutes posttransition, and worry increased following a transition. These results suggest that distress and worry are more sensitive to workload transitions than task engagement. Further, the appraisal process may partially explain the prior conflicting findings by accounting for changes in stress over time.