C2 (Treatment Of Addiction And Stress): Stress Inoculation Training

Question 1

What is Stress Inoculation Training (SIT)?

Answer 1

Definition: A therapy developed to help people handle stress by changing how they think about it.
Goal: Expose clients to small doses of stress in a safe environment to build resilience for bigger stressors in the future (like a vaccine for stress).
Duration:
- typically 9–12 sessions
- over 2–3 months
- with follow-up sessions after several weeks or months.

Question 2

Phases of SIT (phase one)

Answer 2

FOCUS
Identifying stressors and understanding the relationship between thoughts and stress.

Role of Therapist:
Educates the client about stress and its effects.
Helps clients view stressors as challenges, not threats.
Breaks overwhelming stress into smaller, manageable parts.

Question 3

Phases of SIT (phase 2)

Answer 3

FOCUS
Teaching clients coping skills using a tailored “toolbox” of techniques (e.g., relaxation, time management, self-talk, cognitive restructuring).

Role-Playing: Clients practice skills in a safe environment, such as role-playing with the therapist to learn effective behaviors.

              Examples of Self-Talk:
                “You’ve got a plan.”
                      “Stick to it.”
                 “You’re in control.”

Question 4

Phases of SIT (phase 3)

Answer 4

FOCUS
Real-world application of skills through personal experiments and homework tasks.

Relapse Prevention: Clients learn to handle setbacks and view them as opportunities to improve.

Internal Locus of Control: Encourages clients to take responsibility for their success, avoiding reliance on external factors like luck or other people.

Question 5

Strength of SIT

Answer 5

Applications – Supported by evidence to manage stress effectively (e.g., PTSD treatment).

Explain:
Can be tailored for different clients, including elderly, adults, or those with specific needs (e.g., racism or homophobia-related stress).

Link: SIT is versatile and effective for managing unpredictable stress.

Question 6

Weakness of SIT

Answer 6

Lack of Generalizability – Requires commitment and effort.

Explain:
Sessions are long (1 hour each) and intensive (9–12 sessions).
Clients need strong motivation and self-reflection, which might not suit everyone.

Link: Not all clients benefit equally, limiting its general application.