The basic study - Meichenbaum (1975) 02

 The first stage of Stress inoculation training is called ‘conceptualisation’. The therapist helps the individual to identify their stressors and how they respond to these and how successful these responses have been. Patterns of self-defeating internal dialogue are identified.

 The second stage is ‘skill acquisition and rehearsal’. The therapist helps the individual to develop and practice positive coping statements to be used in stressful situations. Other techniques such as relaxation and making a realistic appraisal of situations are also practiced.

 In the third stage ‘application and follow-through’ the individual begins to apply the newly acquired skills to progressively more difficult situations in the real world. The therapist provides support and further training when necessary.

  Meichenbaum studied anxious pre-exam college student. An independent measures quasi-experimental method was used. The first condition of this is eight weeks of stress inoculation therapy. The second condition is eight weeks of systematic desensitization. In the third condition is no therapy which means the students were told they were on a waiting list.