OPTM7 Stress Management

Level: 5

Credits: 10

Directed Learning hours: 50

Self Directed Learning hours: 50

Total Learning Hours: 100

Aims
This course aims to equip students with the applied understanding of stress and stress management methods that they need in order to create stress management programmes which support client wellness.

Pre-requisites

 * OPTM1 Study Skills

Co-requisites

 * OPTM13 Bioscience 2

Learning Outcomes
At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
 * 1) Demonstrate an understanding of stress theory
 * 2) Demonstrate an understanding of the multi-disciplinary nature of stress management
 * 3) Assess the causes of a client’s stress, and their current level of stress
 * 4) Guide clients in the use of relaxation techniques including diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
 * 5) Create a stress management programme for their client that takes into account their client’s lifestyle, symptoms, and any contraindications to stress management exercises.

Content

 * Stress theory
 * Introduction to Stress Theory
 * Individual factors in the stress response
 * Introduction to the stress management process
 * Approaches to stress management
 * Stress assessment techniques
 * Stress management exercises including diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation
 * Stress management programme creation and supervision

Assessment
The following strategies may be used:
 * Assignments
 * Discussion
 * Journalling/diary
 * Supervised clinical assessment
 * Online quizzes/exercises
 * Case studies
 * Video/DVD or Voice Recording of Role Plays and/or work with clients

Attendance Requirements
Students are expected to attend 90% of practical classes. If in the opinion of the programme manager students have a valid reason for non-attendance, their total attendance may be permitted to drop to a minimum of 80%. Non-participation in these classes is treated as non-attendance. Students will be expected to engage with online discussions and activities and in some instances, participation may be required.

Completion requirements
Students must achieve competency in all assessment tasks for completion of this course. Students attendance and participation must also comply with the attendance requirements of the course.

Student Reading List
Required Reading Resources: Recommended Reading Resources:
 * The course coordinator may require specified reading resources.
 * The course coordinator may recommend additional reading resources.