Michenbaum: cognitive techniques to improve stress

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To compare SIT With standard behavioural systematic desensitisation and the control group on a waiting list

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Lab experiment ????

Assessed using self report and grade averages

Matched pairs based on gender and anxiety levels

Question 3

Background

Answer 3

One way of preventing illness is to inoculate against certain diseases and stress inoculation can work in a similar way

3 stages of SIT
1) conceptualisation- aware of thoughts they have in stressful situations

2) skill acquisition- coping strategies taught to enable them to restructure thoughts
3) put into practice what they have learnt in real life situation

Question 4

Participants

Answer 4

21 students age 17-25 who responded to advertisement

Question 5

Procedure

Answer 5

SIT group- 8 therapy sessions
Given ‘insight’ approach to Identify thoughts prior to tests.
Then given positive statements to say and relaxation techniques to use in test conditions

Systematic desensitisation group - 8 therapy sessions
Progressive relaxation training and practised at home

Control group told they were on waiting list

Question 6

Results

Answer 6

Performance on tests improved in SIT groups compared to other groups

Most significant difference between therapy groups and control groups

Question 7

Conclusions

Answer 7

SIT is a more effective way of reducing anxiety in test situations.

More effective then behavioural techniques