Stress Inoculation Therapy

Question 1

What is SIT

Answer 1

A cognitive approach to stress management that advocates that we change the ways we think about stress

Question 2

Stages

Answer 2

There are 3 stages of SIT - each stage focuses on practical steps needed to help client - don’t need to do it in order

Question 3

Stage 1 - Conceptualisation Phase

Answer 3

. Minimising sources of stress they can change and developing new strategies to deal with sources they can’t
. Therapist should play a supportive and facilitative role
. Client educated on nature of stress and its effects - focus on shifting cognitive appraisal

Question 4

Stage 2 - Skills Acquisition and Rehersal Phase

Answer 4

Several skills taught tailored to clients specific needs - encourage clients to think about stress situations more consistently
. Client plans in advance how to cope when stress occurs

Question 5

Stage 3 - Real Life Application

Answer 5

. Parent able to put their skills learnt in phase 2 into practice
. Personal experiments assigned - patient deliberately puts themselves in stress - provoking situations, in attempt to implement skills

Question 6

Duration of therapy

Answer 6

Varies but typically 9-12 sessions of 60-90 mins each
At least 1 or 2 sessions are reserved for follow up

Question 7

Evaluation (Research Support)

Answer 7

Meta - analysis study of 37 studies into SIT effectiveness concluded SIT is effective for reducing anxiety in performance situations and enhancing performance under stress
. Found SIT as effective for extreme anxiety as it was for moderate

Question 8

Evaluation (prevention)

Answer 8

Its future orientated
. Clients confronted with minor stressors so they can gain skills and experience to face greater stress in the world

COUNTER - ARGUMENT = its not a quick fix

Question 9

Evaluation (flexibility)

Answer 9

Programmes can be tailor made for individuals, with different emphasis placed on each of the 3 stages
. Number of sessions also flexible