A Portable, Self-Instructional Stress Management Program for College Students

This article describes the process used to develop a stress management program for college students and the program that resulted. Based on a needs assessment and piloting of the program, a portable, modular self-instructional program was developed. The program consists of five instructional stations: Assessment; The Nature of Stress and the Skill of Cognitive Restructuring; The Effects and Consequences of Stress and Time Management Skills; Relaxation Skills; and Planning For Stress Control. Feasibility in administering the program was of particular importance, so the program was portable. It can be transported to residence halls, student unions, or other gathering places, and it does not require a trained professional to be present. Included are two videotapes and two slide/audiotapes produced by the program's developers, one relaxation tape (guided imagery), and handout materials.