Describe a behavioral change that would help address the issue of HIV amog homeless youth (stateside and abroad). What intervention would you propose to facilitate the behavioral change? Consider the key innovation concepts and discuss which concepts are applicable to your proposed intervention.

provide constructive feedback on my classmates' proposed stress management intervention below and discuss what behavioral model could serve as a framework for the intervention.

Stress Management Courses/Program for Undergrads

COLLAPSE

With this topic being broad and looking specifically at stress, anxiety, alcohol and drugs many may say that majority of these behavioral issues start with pressures. Not being able to cope, manage and strategize plans for treatment. It is in my opinion that stress can be the primary cause of these behavioral changes. Encountering stress in excessive amounts may lead to anxiety which may then result in unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking and drug use. Being able to manage and cope with stress as an undergrad properly is a successful intervention that needs to be incorporated into college lifestyles. This response will require for colleges and universities to make it a requirement for undergraduate students to take a stress management course before they begin their core/degree seeking courses. The management course would assist with many of the stressors that may be encountered throughout their undergrad career.

Along with a stress management course utilizing campus counseling services will work hand in hand to decrease the pressures that may ultimately reduce the other targeted issues discussed. Though this is an intervention that is not commonly used if so at all, starting it may make a big difference in undergraduates managing stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Stress, anxiety, alcohol and drugs can affect the physical body (lack of sleep, headache, susceptibility), mental mindset (depression), emotions (fight or flight and irregular mood), and behaviors (drinking and drug use).1 Tackling stress and making it manageable for college students requires many key factors for it to be successful.

With both interventions working together simultaneously these behavioral changes can be decreased and controlled. While providing campus, counseling is beneficial; a stress management course may add additional educational information that a college student needs to overcome undergraduate stressors and failures. Counseling services and stress management courses will educate the students on adequate sleeping, healthy eating habits, emotional support, exercise, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and not overloading on course.

Reference:

Healthline. The Effects of Stress on the Body. http://www.healthline.com/health/stress/effects-on-body

Everyday Health. College Health.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/college-health/college-life-10-ways-to-reduce-stress.aspx