The Development, Implementation, and Outcome Evaluation of a Stress Management Program from Xavier University

The Development, Implementation, and Outcome Evaluation of a Stress Management Program from Xavier University
Author: SheaLynne A. Baus
Publisher:
Total Pages: 190
Release: 2001
Genre: College students
ISBN:

Abstract: The efficacy of a six-week, comprehensive college campus stress management program that consisted of relaxation training, aerobic exercise, time management, problem solving, assertiveness training, and cognitive restructuring was examined. Stress management participants were compared with a control group on measures of stress management activities, aerobic exercise practice, stress experiences, and symptoms of stress. Compared with controls, the stress management participants showed significant increases in relaxation, exercise, time management, problem solving, and assertiveness practice. There were no significant differences noted between the two groups, from pre to post treatment, on cognitive restructuring practice or the total time spent each week exercising. Although significant increases were noted in the practice of several stress management activities, the stress management program did not produce significant changes in stress experiences. However, relative to the control group, significant decreases in the symptoms of stress were noted for the stress management participants from pre to post treatment conditions.

Two Minute Talks to Improve Psychological and Behavioral Health

Two Minute Talks to Improve Psychological and Behavioral Health
Author: John F. Clabby
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 129
Release: 2021-06-23
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1000466698

'There are important books that focus a full effort on a painful emotion such as depression or panic. Frankly, many troubled people do not directly present with such complaints. Instead, they speak about marital stress, upset about making an oral presentation, dealing with a mean-spirited co-worker, poor nutritional habits, handling uncooperative children or early adolescents, and domestic violence. They want practical guidance about those content areas as well.'- John F Clabby. Health professionals confronted with symptoms of mental and emotional distress often lack knowledge of how to respond to the situations that underlie them, or feel unable to address them in time-limited consultations. This can lead many to either adopt an empathetic listening approach which fails to address underlying causes effectively, or avoid asking their patients and clients about their psychosocial lives at all. Two Minute Talks to Improve Psychological and Behavioral Health takes a unique approach to this common dilemma. It provides concise, pragmatic and matter-of-fact advice which health professionals can use to effectively address the most common underlying causes of distress, such as work, family or relationship difficulties, poor nutritional habits, domestic violence and grief. Although firmly evidence-based, it avoids unnecessary detail to provide a practical reference which can either be read in its entirety or used as a quick reference of clear, accessible advice and strategies that patients can put into use. It is an essential addition to the toolbox of all health professionals who want to provide effective, responsive and empathetic care to their clients in time-limited situations. 'This book will reveal to you talents and results you did not believe possible. It will re-energize your approach to care, and make it fun to talk with and get to know your patients'. - from the Foreword by Kenneth Faistl.

An Evaluation of a Community-based Stress Management Pilot Program

An Evaluation of a Community-based Stress Management Pilot Program
Author: Molly Vetter-Smith
Publisher:
Total Pages: 174
Release: 2011
Genre: Electronic Dissertations
ISBN:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a University of Missouri Extension pilot program, Taking Care of You: Body-Mind-Spirit, in improving perceived stress and lifestyle behaviors compared to a strength training program. The pilot program included positive psychology research-based strategies with a strong focus on mindfulness. Participants of both programs completed surveys at baseline (time 0) (n = 477), immediately following (time 1) (n = 390) and three months following the programs (time 2) (n = 299). Surveys assessed participants' perceived stress levels and lifestyle behaviors. Too few tobacco users were identified for this outcome measure to be included in the analyses. Participants of both program groups showed significant improvements in stress levels and health promoting lifestyle behaviors from time 0 to time 1. However, improvements in health promoting lifestyle behaviors, with the exception of physical activity and social health behaviors, from time 0 to time 1 were significantly greater for the participants of the pilot program. The pilot program showed significantly greater improvements across all three timepoints and from time 0 to time 2 for all outcome measures with the exception of physical activity and social health behaviors. Participants of both programs significantly maintained improvements made as a result their program participation. This study adds to the limited amount research evaluating the effectiveness of stress management programs in improving health behaviors.