A portable, self-instructional stress management program for college students.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Student Health
• Educational Technology

Background:

• College students frequently experience significant stress.
• Existing stress management resources may lack accessibility or portability.
• A needs assessment identified specific areas for program development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development process of a stress management program for college students.
• To introduce the resulting portable, modular, self-instructional program.
• To enhance the feasibility and accessibility of stress management interventions for students.

Main Methods:

• Needs assessment and program piloting were conducted.
• A modular, self-instructional program was designed.
• The program was made portable for delivery in various campus locations.

Main Results:

• A five-station program was developed: Assessment, Cognitive Restructuring, Time Management, Relaxation Skills, and Planning for Stress Control.
• The program includes videotapes, slide/audiotapes, a guided imagery relaxation tape, and handouts.
• The program is designed for portable delivery without requiring a trained professional.

Conclusions:

• The developed program offers a feasible and accessible self-instructional approach to stress management for college students.
• The modular and portable design enhances its applicability in diverse student settings.
• The program provides a comprehensive toolkit for students to manage stress effectively.