In this episode of Everyday ABA, we unpack how applied behavior analysis (ABA) can be used to manage stress in everyday life—not just for clients, but for behavior analysts, educators, parents, and professionals. Board Certified Behavior Analyst Paola, along with Registered Behavior Technician co-hosts Brittanny and Leslie, discuss the difference between Eustress and Distress, acute vs. chronic stress, and how stress functions in our bodies. We explore research-backed coping strategies rooted in behavioral science, cognitive appraisal theory locus of control, learned optimism, and positive psychology. This episode blends research with real-life examples, practical behavior-change strategies, and CEU-worthy insights on stress, resilience, and reinforcement.

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CEU Learning Objectives:

• Define and differentiate between acute and chronic stress, eustress and distress, and describe their physiological and behavioral impacts using examples relevant to clinical practice.
  
• Differentiate between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies and design ABA-based interventions to support both types of coping in clients.
  
• Apply the concept of internal vs. external locus of control to increase client resilience, including teaching strategies that foster internal control and learned optimism.
  
• Incorporate positive psychology techniques, including gratitude practices and behavioral activation, into ABA intervention plans to promote resilience against chronic stress.

References:

Achor, S. (2010). The happiness advantage: How a positive brain fuels success in work and life. Crown Business.

Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. Lyle Stuart.

Folkman, S., & Lazarus, R. S. (1980). An analysis of coping in a middle-aged community sample. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 21(3), 219–239. https://doi.org/10.2307/2136617

Holmes, T. H., & Rahe, R. H. (1967). The social readjustment rating scale. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 11(2), 213–218. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0092976

Seligman, M. E. P. (1991). Learned optimism: How to change your mind and your life. Knopf.

Selye, H. (1956). The stress of life. McGraw-Hill.