ABSTRACT
When learning and preparing to implement the Stress Reduction Technique, an important question to consider is, What is its effectiveness? This chapter will address the question by first providing a brief review of the literature on interventions aimed at alleviating caregiver distress. While this review is by no means a comprehensive analysis, it will lay the groundwork for understanding how the technique fits into the larger context of interventions. Second, an examination of preliminary outcomes from a study performed by Bob Knight, Steven Lutzky, and Jodi Olshevski will provide a framework for understanding the effectiveness of the Stress Reduction Technique in reducing anxiety and distress, and how the technique compares to another method, the Problem-Solving Technique. Critical in trying to ascertain the usefulness of the Stress Reduction Technique are the qualitative experiences that caregivers have in learning and using the technique; these will be highlighted in the form of case studies.
