Stress Management for Adolescents
Authors: Allen Cote, Melissa Joyner, Waltrina Young, Kaelyn Brantley, Jade Ward, Alicia Rogers, and Marlaina Maxey
Faculty Supervisor: Dawana Gibbs, MSN, RN, CNE
Abstract:
We spoke with a class of senior health science students at Golden Isles Career Academy about the effects of stress on health, stressors, and stress management. During our presentation, students were led to engage in two stress reduction activities: painting (art therapy) and meditation. Students were asked to reflect on their current stress levels both before and after participating. A significant decrease in stress was reported after the activities were completed. This could have wide community health implications as this particular group of adolescents now has the tools necessary to manage their stress effectively. They could, in turn, share this knowledge with peers as well as patients they may encounter in their chosen career paths. Those of us who participated in this project were able to engage in civic learning and achieved academic enhancement through connecting our research with goals and strategies specific to the adolescent community. We experienced personal growth as a result of speaking with the students at GICA, learning more about their perspectives, and committing ourselves to helping this community to achieve better health outcomes through stress management.
