In her doctoral research under the supervision of Plusquellec and Grenier, Richer adapted DeStress for Success to the specific needs of seniors.
“Aging, like adolescence but for different reasons, is a particularly sensitive period when individuals are more vulnerable to chronic stress and its consequences,” Plusquellec noted.
O’stress incorporates elements relevant to aging, social relationships and, in particular, emotional contagion, the tendency to get caught up in the emotions of others. According to a recent study by the same researchers, emotional contagion is a significant factor in psychological distress among seniors. An educational component on emotional contagion was therefore included in the O’stress program to help participants recognize and manage this dynamic on a daily basis.
O’stress uses a variety of approaches including small-group workshops to help seniors identify symptoms of stress and release that energy through activities such as bopping to The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout.” Participants also analyze their social network to identify sources of support, pressure and emotional contagion, and then problem-solve to find solutions.
The success of O’stress highlights the enormous potential of short, accessible interventions to counteract the harmful effects of chronic stress in the elderly.
“By demystifying stress and its effects, and then teaching effective techniques for coping with that stress, we equip participants to strengthen their resilience and overall well-being,” said Richer.
The research team now hopes to expand the O’stress program and evaluate its effectiveness in other contexts and populations. Their work could also inspire similar interventions in the areas of mental health and aging.
