NCJ Number
77162
Date Published
1980
Length
149 pages
Annotation
This text focuses on the nature of stress as it applies to human service professionals, outlines the way in which stress affects the individual, and provides guidelines for coping with and reducing stress.
Abstract
An introductory section provides an overview of stress in the helping professions where the human service professional is exposed to negative stressors daily and often experiences disillusionment and job burnout. The many and varied causes of negative stress for the human service professional are outlined, and three areas of stress common to daily functioning are described: field service, administration and supervision, and home and family. The report also describes the effect of stress on the body and the relationship of stress to hypertension, coronary disease, infectious disease, and ulcers. Suggestions are given on identifying the symptoms of stress, such as headaches or insomnia, and recommendations are presented for coping with and reducing stress. Such recommendations include exercise, improved diet, good mental health practices, and techniques such as biofeedback, transcendental meditation, and hypnosis. Suggestions are also given for coping with and reducing stress administratively, such as creating career development alternatives, establishing a family orientation program, and initiating a phased retirement program. A final chapter considers the team approach to building stress management programs, considerations in implementing such programs, and the implications of these programs for business and industry. A total of 33 references and a reading list are given.