Stress Inoculation Therapy Flashcards
What is stress inoculation therapy?
A psychological method which helps individuals develop coping skills and then exposes the individual to moderate amounts of anxiety to enable practice of coping. It’s not possible to change a stressful situation but instead we can change how we approach these situations
What is stage one?
Conceptualisation
What is involved in conceptualisation?
The therapist and client discuss the problem and identify the source of stress. A therapeutic relationship is important. The client is educated about the nature of stress and the main aim is for the client to understand that stressors can be overcome by viewing them not as the end of the world but as challenges. They should come to realise that they need to work on the things they can change and accept things that they cannot
What is stage two?
Skills training and rehearsal
What is involved in skills training and rehearsal?
The client is trained in the specific coping skills that they need in order to deal with stressful situations and they are taught how to use positive, coping self statements and relaxation skills are taught to reduce physiological arousal. These skills are practiced and rehearsed in the clinic
What is stage three?
Application in the real world
What is involved in application in the real world?
The therapist creates opportunities for the client to try out their skills in a safe environment and various techniques are used to increase realism e.g role playing. There is a gradual transfer of these skills to the real world and the therapist sets homework by deliberately seeking out moderately stressful situations and using their coping skills. They later feedback for discussion and the therapist involvement lessens
What is relapse prevention?
The therapist prepares the client to cope with set backs and the client learns to cognitively restructure setbacks as temporary learning opportunities and not permanent catastrophic failures. This means that the client should be able to identify potential stressors in advance and plan how to deal with them
What are three strengths of stress inoculation therapy?
- it increases feelings of control as client are encouraged to practice self improvement and as a result confidence increases
- it avoids the negative side effects of drugs and therefore offer long term coping strategies
- Spiegler says that SIT is flexible and effective in managing any form of stress
What are two limitations of stress inoculation therapy?
- it’s not an easy option as it requires patients to be motivated over long periods of time
- Hensel-Dittman found that its not effective in treating post traumatic stress in asylum seekers so perhaps transfer of skills to everyday life does not work when the client feels they cannot gain control over their situation
What is a strength/limitation of the stress inoculation therapy?
It’s quite demanding of clients who have to make big commitments of time and effort and be highly motivated. It’s is also challenging but it does take this into account and aims to help the client prepare for setbacks and explore ways of overcoming them
