Psychological Methods of Stress Management

STRESS INOCULATION THERAPY

• Meichenbaum though that we can change the way we think about stressors, which ay lead to positivie thinking, which in turn leads to positive attitudes and feelings. Which reduce the stress response.
• His form of SIT is a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which deals with stress.
• A for of coping should be developed before the problem arises... In turn inoculating themselves against the 'disease' of stress,
• 1. Conceptualisation phase
• The therapist and client establish a relationship so the client can then be educated about the nature and impact of stress.
• Percievd threats should be viewed as problems to be solved.
• 2. Skills acquisition phase (and rehearsal)
• Coping skill are taught and practised in the clinic and then rehearsed in real life.
• Skills taught include; positive thinking, relaxation, social skills, methods of attention diversion, using social support systems and time management.
• Coping self-statements are taught.
• Skills are both cognitive and behavioural to encourage the client to adapt.
• 3. Application phase (and follow-through)
• Clients given oppurtunities to apply to newly learnt skills in different situations.
• Imagery, modelling and role playing may be used.

EVALUATION

• Strengths of SIT
• Effectiveness
• SIT was compared with systematic de-sensitisation. Both forms reduced the phobia but SIT helped to deal with the second, non-treated phobia.  Therefore, SIT inoculates against future stressul situations as well as helping cope ith the current problems. 
• The effects of SIT on anxiety, stress and academic performace pf first-year law students was examined, four weekly sessions of SIT, lasting 90 mins each were recieved…