Lessons from Two States with Extension Programs for Managing Stress

Abstract

Recognizing the need for education that addresses social emotional and mental health issues faced by adults, Extension developed two different types of programs. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension developed the RELAX: Alternatives to Anger program (RELAX) to address anger management, and West Virginia University (WVU) Extension created Stress Less with Mindfulness (SLM) to build stress management skills among adults. At a national conference, the two states independently shared their programs’ objectives and delivery implementation and then later cross-trained each other’s Extension team. The research reported here shares the designs of both stress-reduction health programs and the results of a combined two-state SLM evaluation with 1,304 participants. The benefits of SLM included skill learning and practice. Recommendations for practice include state Extension services sharing curricula resources, training teams from each other’s states, and jointly implementing evaluation protocols. Extension professionals looking for established programs that help people gain skills to promote emotional health and stress-reduction may consider implementing one of these community-based programs in their states.

Three Cooperative Extension initiatives funded to address Michigan's opioid crisis

“…Documented program outcomes include increased personal self-awareness of stress symptoms and use of mindful breathing and mindful movement to calm the body and mind. SLM is a research-based and practice-tested program ( 31 ). The RELAX: Alternatives to Anger program helps participants manage anger and stress by developing communication and problem-solving skills needed for healthy relationships ( 32 ).…”