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Stress management tends to be a popular subject regardless of your profession. In their article titled “Effective Stress Management”, Houghton, Wu, Godwin, Neck, and Manz (2013) provide a model for managing stress using emotional intelligence (EI) and self-leadership to encourage self-efficacy and positive affect ways of coping with stress (p. 225). The author’s conducted a thorough review of the research up to this point backed by notable authors. They provided information on why managing stress is important and a definition of what stress entails including both distress which is more destructive in nature and eustress which can be used constructively (Houghton, Wu, Goodwin, Neck & Manz, 2012, pp. 221-222). While the argument and information backing their model is strong, there did appear to be a lack of evidence supporting the jump from the background to their specific model. An ample amount of qualitative information was provided, but empirical evidence to support this particular model would provide a better foundation it’s use for college and workplace training curricula. The author’s do point out more evidence is needed before implementing this information, but having even a small amount of data initially would have been more convincing in the development of the model.
The authors’ provided some excellent techniques for stress management. The two that I found most beneficial personally were watching self-criticism within the self-talk technique and using visualization techniques to improve performance. Houghton et al. (2013) argued that self-correcting feedback can help one evaluate failures and refocus their effort in a more positive direction while unrealistic criticism can lead to guild and counterproductive actions (p. 224). As a perfectionist, I can fully relate to the feelings of guilt associated with poor performance. I tend to be extremely hard on myself which does add undue stress into my life. Being able to walk this fine line is essential in managing stress in my own life. In addition, the authors’ point out how mental imagery can improve actual performance by engaging in positive visualization and rehearsals of a task or experience (Houghton et al., 2013, p. 225). I have occasionally used this technique when I have been on job interviews where you visualize yourself answering specific questions with a positive outcome. However, I think there is a lot of value to using the technique to manage stressful situations as well.
The authors did note some important factors in managing stressful situations. All of the factors noted are important in addressing stress. However, I would add two additional factors to consider including how one’s internal locus of control (LOC) can impact stress and how eustress can be harnessed for positive performance. Throughout the article, the author’s explained the importance of one’s own perception in stress coping techniques. Stress can also be impacted by the perception of control in your own life. Demir, Demir, Bulut, and Hisar (2014) explain that when the LOC is internal and individual believes they can control what happens and assume a high-level of responsibility in the organization of their own lives. This thought process can play a huge role in how we perceive stress and whether we believe we have the power to make the changes to cope with stress effectively in our lives. In addition to one’s internal LOC, perception can also play a role in harnessing the benefits of stress. Eustress is the constructive form of stress and can rev you up, keep you focused and invigorated, and drives you to accomplish your next task (Seglin, 2001). Rather than looking at stress as all negative, coping mechanisms that emphasis looking at the stress as a challenge or opportunity would certainly be beneficial to this conversation.
References
Demir, S., Demir, S. G., Bulut, H., & Hisar, F. (2014). Effect of mentoring program on ways of coping with stress and locus of control for nursing students. Asian Nursing Research, 8(4), 254-260. doi:http://dx.doi.org.library.capella.edu/10.1016/j.anr.2014.10.004
Houghton, J. D., Wu, J., Godwin, J. L., Neck, C. P., & Manz, C. C. (2012, April). Effective stress management: A model of emotional intelligence, self-leadership, and student stress coping. Journal of Management Education, 36, 220–238. doi:10.1177/1052562911430205
Seglin, J. L. (2001). Stressed for success. CIO, 14(18), 132-134. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.library.capella.edu/docview/205966222?accountid=27965
