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Stress has been called the most prevalent disease of modern society: a new epidemic brought about by the pace of modern life and the pressure to succeed in a climate of increasing job insecurity. Stress management is big business. But what do stress counsellors do? How effective are their remedies? And are we becoming a nation of stress addicts?

This programme is divided into three self-standing sections:

1: What is Stress?

The programme begins with a case study of stress in the teaching profession. It explains what stress is, examines why it can be bad for us and asks what can be done about it.

2: Medical and Psychological Approaches

This section begins with the visit of the stress counsellors. It looks at how stress is measured and illustrates and compares medical and psychological approaches to stress management.

3: Strategies

The final section looks at stress management in action by following a return visit of stress counsellors. It illustrates behavioural, cognitive and organisational strategies. The programme concludes by considering some criticisms of the rise and rise of the stress management industry.