Promoting Emotional Resilience Cognitive-Affective Stress Management Training

Grounded in extensive research, this book presents a brief emotion-focused coping skills program that helps clients regulate their affective responses in stressful situations. Cognitive–affective stress management training (CASMT) promotes resilience by integrating cognitive-behavioral strategies with relaxation training, mindfulness, and other techniques. Systematic guidelines are provided for implementing CASMT with individuals or groups. The book includes detailed instructions for using induced affect, a procedure that elicits arousal in session and enables clients to practice new emotion regulation skills. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download and print the volume's 16 reproducible handouts and forms in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size, and can also download a muscle relaxation training audio track.

Ronald E. Smith, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training at the University of Washington, where he also has served as head of the Social Psychology and Personality Program. His major professional interests are psychological stress and coping and performance enhancement research and intervention. A past president of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, Dr. Smith’s publications include numerous books and more than 200 articles and book chapters, 60 of which are in the areas of anxiety, stress, and coping. 

James C. Ascough, PhD, is retired and in part-time private practice at Mascouten Associates in West Lafayette, Indiana. He served on the faculties of the University of Georgia and Purdue University, and was Director of Child and Adolescent Services at Wabash Valley Hospital in West Lafayette, Indiana. Dr. Ascough's research focused on autonomic nervous system arousal, measures of affect, and models of cognitive imagery and behavior change. He is a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, Indiana’s highest state honor, for his contributions to youth mental health.

Introduction and Overview
1. Emotion, Stress, and Coping: Implications for Intervention
2. An Overview of Cognitive–Affective Stress Management Training
3. Emotion Elicitation in Psychotherapy: The Induced Affect Technique
4. Preparation, Initial Assessment, and Session 1
5. Session 2: Cognitive Coping Skills—Introduction to Cognitive Restructuring and Self Instructional Training
6. Session 3: Induced Affect Reduction Using Relaxation and the Integrated Coping Response
7. Session 4: Induced Affect Skills Rehearsal and Introduction to Meditation and Mindfulness
8. Session 5: Integrated Coping Response Practice, Acceptance, and Cognitive Defusion Training
9. Session 6: Coping Skills Rehearsal and Additional Strategies
Appendix A: Handouts and Forms for Clients
Appendix B: Materials for Therapists/Trainers
References