Full Answer Section

2. Focus Groups:

• Rationale: To gather collective insights and perspectives on stress management, I would facilitate focus groups with diverse groups of homeless individuals. This allows for interaction and shared experiences, fostering a sense of community and potentially generating creative solutions.

• Benefits: Encourages group brainstorming, identifies shared challenges, and provides a platform for collective empowerment.

• Challenges: Requires careful moderation to ensure everyone feels heard and participates equally.

3. Observational Studies:

• Rationale: To assess the effectiveness of interventions and the presence of social support systems, I would conduct observational studies within homeless shelters and outreach programs. This allows for real-time observation of individuals’ interactions, behaviors, and responses to stress.

• Benefits: Provides valuable data on the effectiveness of interventions, the availability of support networks, and the presence of environmental stressors.

• Challenges: Requires ethical considerations for respecting privacy and obtaining informed consent.

Original Handouts for Stress Management:

Based on my research, I created three original handouts for individuals experiencing homelessness:

1. “Mindful Breathing Techniques”: This handout provides a step-by-step guide on practicing mindful breathing exercises, focusing on techniques that can be easily implemented in everyday situations, even within the constraints of a shelter environment.

2. “Building a Support Network”: This handout encourages the creation of social connections and support networks through activities like attending community events, joining support groups, or engaging in peer mentorship.

3. “Coping with Difficult Emotions”: This handout provides strategies for managing distressing emotions like anger, sadness, and anxiety. It emphasizes techniques like journaling, expressive arts, and seeking support from trusted individuals or mental health professionals.

Justification for Technique Selection:

These techniques were chosen based on their relevance to the specific needs of individuals experiencing homelessness:

• Accessibility: The techniques are simple and adaptable to different settings, requiring minimal resources and time.

• Cultural Sensitivity: The handouts avoid making assumptions about cultural beliefs and instead focus on providing universally applicable strategies for stress management.

• Empowerment: The handouts emphasize building resilience and empowering individuals to take charge of their own well-being.

Application of Week 7 Presentation:

My Week 7 presentation focused on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for diverse populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness. The presentation included information on the benefits of MBSR, adapting the practice to different needs, and addressing common barriers.

Future Application in Health Psychology:

This presentation can be used as a resource for future health psychology professionals working with diverse populations. It provides a framework for incorporating MBSR into various clinical settings and demonstrates the importance of adapting interventions to meet unique needs.

Social Change Implications:

The chosen stress management techniques and the developed workshop contribute to social change by:

• Empowering Individuals: Providing individuals experiencing homelessness with tools and skills to manage stress and improve their well-being promotes self-efficacy and independence.

• Building Community Resilience: Encouraging social connections and community support helps to create a more resilient and supportive network for those experiencing homelessness.

• Reducing Stigma: By raising awareness of the specific needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and providing tailored resources, we can help to reduce stigma and promote a more inclusive society.