Stress and health: Symptoms and techniques of psychotherapeutic management

January 8, 2019 Stress

Citation: Panda, S., Stress and health: Symptoms and techniques of psychotherapeutic management, Indian Journal of Positive Psychology; Hisar Vol. 5, Iss. 4, Dec 2014.

Abstract Link: http://iahrw.com/article.php?article=NDF5d0JLbHRRTmpjTFI5dnFqbFp0dz09

Abstract Only available

Abstract:

Stress is defined as a state of threatened or perceived by the individual as threatened homeostasis and it is reestablished by a complex repertoire of behavioural and physiologic adaptive responses of the organism. According to the World Health Organization, stress is a significant problem of our times and affects both physical as well as the mental health of people. Stress is defined as a situation where the organism’s homeostasis is threatened or the organism perceives a situation as threatening. Stress can affect all aspects of your life, including your emotions, behaviors, thinking ability, and physical health. Stress coping methods are the cognitive, behavioral and psychological efforts to deal with stress. After a thorough literature review, the following techniques were identified and are presented and briefly discussed here: progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, relaxation response, biofeedback, emotional freedom technique, guided imagery, diaphragmatic breathing, transcendental meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction and emotional freedom technique. These are all evidence-based techniques, easy to learn and practice, with good results in individuals with good health or with a disease.

Craig’s Notes:

This paper discusses the the meaning of stress and how it affects human health, defining it as a situation where the organism’s homeostasis is threatened or perceived to be threatened. It outlines the health challenges that stress can bring, and cites the World Health Organization describing it as a significant problem of our times that affects both physical and mental health.

The author identifies and discusses many alternative techniques for reducing stress including EFT. Other techniques discussed include progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, guided imagery, diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, CBT, and more. The author concludes that all are helpful evidence-based techniques that are easy to learn and practice.