Often in the face of extreme stress or an external crisis, it is not uncommon to focus on being grateful for your health in an attempt to minimize the situation’s impact. However, as previous weeks of this course indicate, health is far more than just an absence of disease or injury. Rather, health includes a continuum of wellness influenced by many life characteristics.
Managing stress is as personal as the stressor itself. The populations health psychology professionals serve are changing, making the need for a variety of stress management techniques even more crucial to maintaining health. For example, people are living longer and require more chronic disease management. Also, there is an increase in the number of ethnic minority groups, those living with disabilities, and those living in poverty. As a result of merging cultures, health issues ripple across the globe.
Public policy, education, training, research, advocacy, and program development and application are all ways in which health psychology professionals can promote positive social change. As a future health psychology professional you should begin thinking about how you can apply topics within stress and coping to promote positive social change. Based on your interests you may choose to develop an education program on sleep hygiene or become an advocate for CAMs.
review this week’s Learning Resources. Search the Walden Library for a stress management technique you have not previously researched in this course. Consider possible barriers to the effectiveness of this technique. Then select a topic within the area of stress and coping and consider how you might apply this topic to positive social change.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 4 a brief description of the stress management technique you selected that was not covered in this course and explain why it might be effective. Then describe at least one possible barrier to the effectiveness of this technique and explain how you might address that barrier. Be specific. Then, post a brief description of the topic you selected and explain how you might apply the topic to promote positive social change. Be specific and provide examples.
Full Answer Section
Effectiveness: Research suggests that MBSR can be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression (Kabat-Zinn et al., 1985). It can also improve sleep quality, enhance immune function, and promote greater emotional resilience.
Barrier: One potential barrier to the effectiveness of MBSR is the perception that it requires a significant time commitment and effort. Many people may feel they don't have the time or are unable to dedicate themselves to the practice.
Addressing the Barrier:
To address this barrier, MBSR programs could be adapted to fit different lifestyles. Offering shorter, more accessible formats, such as brief mindfulness practices incorporated into daily routines or workplace wellness programs, could make MBSR more accessible to a wider range of individuals.
Topic for Positive Social Change: Stress Management in the Workplace
Applying the Topic:
As a future health psychology professional, I could apply my understanding of stress management to promote positive social change in the workplace.
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Developing Workplace Wellness Programs: I could design and implement programs that integrate stress management techniques like MBSR into the workplace. This could involve offering lunchtime meditation sessions, mindfulness training workshops, or incorporating mindfulness exercises into existing employee development programs.
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Advocating for Workplace Policies: I could advocate for policies that support employee well-being, such as flexible work schedules, paid time off, and access to mental health resources.
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Educating Leaders and Managers: I could educate leaders and managers about the importance of stress management for both employee well-being and organizational productivity. This could involve providing them with training on how to recognize signs of stress in employees and how to create a supportive work environment.
Examples:
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Partnering with local businesses to offer on-site mindfulness training for employees.
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Conducting workshops on managing stress in the face of workplace deadlines and demanding work environments.
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Developing resources for managers on fostering a positive and supportive work culture that prioritizes employee well-being.
Conclusion:
By applying knowledge of stress management and mindfulness practices to the workplace, I believe I can contribute to promoting positive social change. By fostering healthy and supportive work environments, we can help individuals thrive, contributing to a healthier and more productive society.
Sample Answer
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Promoting Positive Social Change
Stress Management Technique: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
MBSR is a structured program that teaches individuals how to cultivate mindfulness, a state of non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. Through practices like meditation, body scan, and yoga, participants learn to observe their thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting caught up in them. This approach can help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being.