Stress Inoculation Training for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Status: Modest Research Support

Description

Stress Inoculation Training involves teaching coping skills to manage stress and anxiety. This may include training in deep muscle relaxation, cognitive restructuring, breathing exercises, assertiveness skills, thought stopping, role playing, and guided self-dialogue. Stress Inoculation Training is often used in conjunction with other therapy techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapies.

Key References (in reverse chronological order)

Foa, E. B., Dancu, C. V., Hembree, E. A., Jaycox, L. H., Meadows, E. A., & Street, G. P. (1999). A comparison of exposure therapy, stress inoculation training, and their combination for reducing posttraumatic stress disorder in female assault victims. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 67, 194-200.

Foa, E.B., Rothbaum, B.O., Riggs, D.,& Murdock, T. (1991). Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in rape victims: A comparison between cognitive-behavioral procedures and counseling. Journal of Consulting and Clinical. Psychology, 59, 715-723.

Clinical Resources

Veronen, L. J., & Kilpatrick, D. G. (1983). Stress management for rape victims. In D.Meichenbaum & M. E.Jaremko (Eds.), Stress reduction and prevention (pp. 341-374). New York: Plenum.

Training Opportunities

National Center for PTSD
Educational Division (323EI 12)
Palo Alto VA Medical Center
Palo Alto, CA 94304

Behavioral Science Division (I 16B-2)
Boston VA Medical Center
Boston, MA 02130

Women's Health Sciences Division (I 16B-3)
Boston VA Medical Center
Boston, MA 02130

National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Medical University of South Carolina
171 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29425