Whistle-stop tour of the theory and practice of stress management and prevention: Its possible role in postgraduate health promotion

Abstract

This paper focuses on the theory and practice of stress management and stress prevention with a particular emphasis on work-related stress (WRS). Two models of stress (organisational and psychological/ cognitive) are included that can be used to underpin interventions at organisational and individual levels. It is argued that there is an increasing demand for stress management interventions in the workplace due to the Health and Safety Executive taking a lead and recommending that employers take WRS seriously. In addition the increase in stress litigation has persuaded some employers to address the issue although others have done so due to a genuine concern for their staff. It is predicted that Health Promotion Specialists may find WRS and stress prevention an expanding niche area to work in. Its inclusion on postgraduate training programmes would benefit not only the individual Health Promotion Specialist, but possibly society as a whole.