Self-guided multimedia stress management and resilience training

Abstract

Behavioral health intervention technology programs (e.g. computer, internet, or tablet) with a positive psychology focus (i.e. resilience training) can have a profound impact on behavioral and physical health. Such programs can increase access to evidence-based behavioral health training (e.g. stress management training) without the need to train clinicians in such approaches and can be confidentially used at a place and time of an individual’s choosing without a need to go to a clinician’s office, thus improving access to care of those who live remotely, are too busy, or may not want to seek care due to stigma. This paper describes the design considerations, features, and user-experience of a self-guided, computer-based multimedia stress management and resilience training program developed with support from NASA. Such a program may have significant relevance and implications for the broader population and the area of positive psychology.

Keywords:

• computer-based interventions
• resilience
• stress
• stress management
• cognitive behavioral therapy