This module was a collaboration between the STI/HIV Prevention Training Center at Johns Hopkins and Lean in Systems & Solutions. This module introduces the concept of the stress spectrum, emphasizing the balance between positive stress (eustress) and distress (negative stress).
This brief (10-15 minute) learning module is designed to lay the foundational knowledge for individuals to understand and build a healthy relationship with stress. After reading the definition below, engage in this interactive self-paced module to learn more about positive stress(eustress) and distress.
“Eustress, or positive stress, reflects a constructive type of stress characterized by positive emotional arousal, associated with activation and engagement. In contrast, distress, or negative stress, denotes a destructive form of stress, marked by negative emotional arousal, dissatisfaction, and disengagement” (Pluut, Curseu, & Fodor, 2022; Lu, Wei, & Li, 2021).
Goal: To help learners identify and respond to both forms of stress.
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate between positive stress (eustress) and distress, and their impacts on health and work performance.
- Explore strategies to identify and manage stress in professional settings.
Dive into this module to learn more about stress and how it can be helpful and harmful to you, especially in the landscape of an ever evolving healthcare system.
Project/Content Lead:
Alexander Waitt, MS, MSEd, LPC (he/him)
Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Lean In Systems & Solutions
Audrey Collier, BS (she/her)
Project Manager, Lean In Systems & Solutions
Contributors:
Dr. Jamie Hanson, PhD (he/him)
Chief Scientist Officer at Lean In Systems & Solutions
Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Alison DuBois, PhD, LPC (she/her)
Chief Wellness Officer, Lean In Systems & Solutions
President & CEO at The Mindful Mind, LLC
Nicole Luhanik, MS, LPC (she/her)
Clinical Director, Oasis Mental Health Services
Mercedes Robinson, MA, Ed.m (she/her)
Chief Executive Officer, Tequity In Action
Assistant Director of DEI, Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Salah Kanaan, MSc (he/him)
Chief Technology Officer at Lean In Systems & Solutions
Acknowledgements:
Barbara Wilgus, MSN, CRNP [She/Her/Hers]
Program Administrator, STD/HIV Prevention Training Center at Johns Hopkins; JHU Bayview Medical Center
References:
Gong, W., & Geertshuis, S. A. (2023). Distress and eustress: an analysis of the stress experiences of offshore international students. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1144767. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1144767
Lu, S., Wei, F., & Li, G. (2021). The evolution of the concept of stress and the framework of the stress system. Cell Stress, 5(6), 76-85. https://doi.org/10.15698/cst2021.06.250
Passalacqua, S. A., & Segrin, C. (2012). The effect of resident physician stress, burnout, and empathy on patient-centered communication during the long-call shift. Health communication, 27(5), 449–456. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2011.606527
Pluut, H., Curseu, P. L., & Fodor, O. C. (2022). Development and Validation of a Short Measure of Emotional, Physical, and Behavioral Markers of Eustress and Distress (MEDS). Healthcare, 10(2), 339.https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020339
Sasidharan, S., & Dhillon, H. S. (2021). Stress and burnout among health-care workers in the coronavirus disease 2019 intensive care unit. International journal of critical illness and injury science, 11(4), 257–261. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijciis.ijciis_45_21
Tawfik, D. S., Scheid, A., Profit, J., Shanafelt, T., Trockel, M., Adair, K. C., Sexton, J. B., & Ioannidis, J. P. A. (2019). Evidence Relating Health Care Provider Burnout and Quality of Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Annals of internal medicine, 171(8), 555–567. https://doi.org/10.7326/M19-1152
Disclosure:
The content experts involved in the creation of this module, including the collaboration between the STI/HIV Prevention Training Center at Johns Hopkins and Lean in Systems & Solutions, have declared that there are no financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. This module is the product of our commitment to providing high-quality, unbiased education and training. Our team has worked diligently to ensure that the content is current, accurate, and developed independently of any commercial interests.