Stress Management

Definition

Stress management is the process of acquiring and practicing a variety of cognitive and behavioral techniques with the goal of managing and coping with stress. Stress is defined as the perception that demands exceed personal resources, and can result in both physiological (e.g., increased blood pressure, migraine headaches) as well as psychological effects (e.g., anxiety, depression). Potential sources of stress range from major life events such as death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss to “daily hassles” such as traffic and interpersonal annoyances.

Current Knowledge

Stress management is based on the premise that the experience of stress is not a direct response to a stressor per se; rather the experience of stress is mediated by one’s coping abilities and resources, both of which can be modified through stress-management techniques. Stress-management techniques include diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation training (progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic relaxation),...