Leader: Dr C Hassed

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit examines the body of scientific evidence linking stress with mental and physical illness and with a range of abnormal lifestyle behaviours. It teaches practical skills in the form of relaxation and meditation techniques which doctors practice on themselves and can then teach their patients to carry out. The unit identifies the circumstances and conditions in which these techniques are most useful. The theory and practice are run in parallel throughout the course.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Recognise that there is now a significant body of research linking stress and many illnesses;
2. Recognise that there is also a large body of research demonstrating the benefits of meditation and stress management;
3. Describe the ways in which stress affects the physical health and lifestyle of people;
4. Practise the relaxation exercise in its various forms;
5. Increase professional skills as a counsellor in stress management, thereby being of greater benefit to patients;
6. Reflect on personal experience of stress and ways in which it is managed, thereby deriving personal benefit from the course; and
7. Implement effective stress management in general practice.

Assessment

Journal (50%)
Essay (50%)