PSYC125 Psychological Techniques of Stress Management

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Psychology

  1. Course Number and Title

    PSYC125 Psychological Techniques of Stress Management

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    In this experiential course, the positive and negative consequences of stress are examined. Emphasizing the mind/body connection and encouraging holistic health in the students, both the physiological and psychological aspects of stress management are studied.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. describe the various psychological research methods;
        2. classify stressors and examine their possible consequences;
        3. explain the physiological stress response and its relationship to psychosomatic disorders; and
        4. examine and implement stress management coping techniques.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. Category I
        Personal Health
         Students will:
        1. apply appropriate skills to manage stress and anxiety in order to maintain holistic health.

        Category III
        Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
         Students will:
        1. use methods, concepts and theories in new situations (Application Skills).

        International, Gender, and/or Minority Perspectives
         Students will:
        1. identify prejudice, stereotypes, and misuses of power that affect the lives of women, and/or minorities in areas such as education, business, politics, religion, or industry.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      The following topics are presented:
      1. history, theory, research, and practice of psychological stress management techniques
      2. stressors of the college student, such as stereotyping and prejudice
      3. physiological aspects of stress
      4. the relationship between stress and various psychological and physical disorders
      5. various thinking patterns and their relationship to various emotional responses
      6. methods of reinforcement that maintains the practice of relaxation skills, such as charting
      7. applications of the following stress management techniques to psychological and health problems: Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Autogenic Training, meditation, yogic breathing, guided imagery, and hypnosis
      8. commonly employed biofeedback instruments, such as Temperature, E.M.G., and G.S.R.
      9. application of time management principles to problems of various lifestyles
      10. assertiveness training and conflict resolution
      11. identifying and preventing burnout

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Exams, relaxation exercises, written assignments, charting, biofeedback labs, class or online participation, and/or projects as specified in the individual instructor's course format will be utilized.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. Personal Health: At least one written assignment related to one of the Planned Topics applying stress management strategies to improve the holistic health of the students will be assigned.

        Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Written assignments will be used to assess students' abilities to apply concepts and theories to their lives in order to manage their stress levels effectively.

        International, Gender, and/or Minority Perspectives: Written assignments will be assigned to address the impact of prejudice and stereotyping on the individual's psychological and/or physical health.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      Students use educational resources as specified in the individual instructor's format.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Review/Approval Date -12/03; Core Objectives/Goals added 12/03; Revised 2/03; Revised 4/2010