Stress and Stress Management in Coaching

Case studies are used to describe how scientific models and findings on intervention methods can be used in stress management coaching. Stress is defined as a permanent state of negative tension that in the long run leads to impairment of mental well-being and health. According to more recent stress models, improvements are recommended with regard to the stressors (changes of structural stress conditions) and resources such as decision latitude and social support, as well as individual coping skills (changes of behavior). Popular, scientifically proven intervention methods are time management, relaxation, and mindfulness exercises. An individual coaching case study using breathing exercises with biofeedback (heart rate variability) is reported. It shows strong significant improvements of physiological measurements during months of coaching.