Stress: Stress Inoculation Therapy (SIT)

Question 1

Who developed SIT and what type of method is it?

Answer 1

Meichenbaum (1977, 85) developed one of the most successful CBT methods, which consists of 3 stages.

Question 2

What is CBT?

Answer 2

Combined both cognitive + behavioural therapies to change the act of thinking and behaviour and provide a more holistic approach to solving problems.

Question 3

What is the aim of SIT?

Answer 3

It works before the stressor is encountered and ‘inoculates’ the individual to cope better in future.

Question 4

What are the 3 steps of SIT?

Answer 4

1. Conceptualisation
2. Skills acquisition (and rehearsal)
3. Application phase

Question 5

What happens in the conceptualisation phase?

Answer 5

• Therapist and client establish relationship and identity sources of stress in lives.
• Encouraged to keep a diary of stressful experiences.
• Client may challenge exaggerated situations.

Question 6

What is skills acquisition phase?

Answer 6

• Coping skills are taught and practised, then gradually rehearsed in real life.
• Skills taught and tailored to clients own problems.
• Skills include relaxation, social skills, time management etc.

Question 7

What is application phase?

Answer 7

• Clients are encouraged to use their coping skills in the real world.
• The therapist and client continue to monitor the success/failure of therapy.
• Clients may even be asked to help train others.

Question 8

What was the method/sample of Meichenbaum study?

Answer 8

• 21 students (17-25) responded to an advert about treating anxiety.
• Field experiment- p’s put into 3 groups.
• 3 groups: SIT, standard desensitisation, control group.