Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Stress Management

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_386
Branch of Science
Educational sciences; General Pedagogy
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Biology; Business Management; Civil and Military Defense; Clinical Pharmacy; Communication Science; Dentistry; Health Management; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Law; Life Science; Management Science; Marketing and Advertising; Medical Services; Medical Technologies; Medicine; Midwifery; Nursing Science; Pedagogy; Person and Property Defence; Pharmacy; Political Science; Psychology; Public Health; Rehabilitation; Social Anthropology; Social Welfare and Social Work; Sociology; Sports Trainer
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Riga, 3 Cigorinu Street, suuk@rsu.lv, +371 67611559

About Study Course

Objective

To develop students' understanding of stress processes, their impact on people at the physiological, psychological and communication level, as well as the basic principles of stress management in relation to current stress situations (current stressors) both in individual level as well as the current situation in society context.

Preliminary Knowledge

Secondary school level knowledge in Social sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Recognises the mechanisms of stress, describes its human impact.

Individual work and tests

Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics Attendance and discussion on practical class topics

2.Describes the individual personality characteristics of the effects of different stressors.

Individual work and tests

Attendance and discussion on practical class topics Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics

3.Describes the importance of emotion and the risk and preference of emotional burnout.

Individual work and tests

Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics Attendance and discussion on practical class topics

Skills

1.Navigates a variety of stress theories. Recognises stress reactions.

Individual work and tests

Attendance and discussion on practical class topics Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics Analysis of scientific research article

2.Understand and analyse the causes of stress and their impact on physical and emotional health.

Individual work and tests

Analysis of scientific research article Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics Attendance and discussion on practical class topics RSU Research Week 2025 attendance

3.Applied to improving physical and emotional health of stress reduction techniques.

Individual work and tests

Attendance and discussion on practical class topics Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics Analysis of scientific research article

Competences

1.Develop a stress prevention plan for improving physical and emotional health, including both immediate and preventative stress management, emotion regulation, burnout prevention and time planning techniques.

Individual work and tests

Development of an individual stress management plan

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Self-assessment tests and tasks on lecture topics

10.00% from total grade
10 points

Student independently learns video lecture material and performs self-assessment tests and assignments on the subject of the lecture.

2.

Attendance and discussion on practical class topics

10.00% from total grade
Test

Students learn literature and prepare for a discussion on the topic of the practical class.

In accordance with Paragraph 3.9 of RSU academic Regulations I, attendance of classes is mandatory and registered.

3.

RSU Research Week 2025 attendance

10.00% from total grade
Test

Task:

Analysis and application of stress management approaches in the personal and professional environment - experience from RSU Research Week 2025

objective:

Develop understanding of the latest approaches to stress management through knowledge gained from the Scientific Conference and analyse their applicability at both individual and professional level.

Description of the task:

students attend RSU Research Week 2025 events, which explore topics of stress, stress management, psychology or related areas. Based on conference materials and lecturer presentations, the student performs a written analysis (volume: 800-1000 words).

Written analysis (volume: 800-1000 words):

    • describe the selected measure (- us), highlighting the main topics and questions covered.
    • Analyze how research or approaches presented at the event can be applied to stress management in professional or personal life.
    • Give examples of how conclusions from an event can be used to improve stress management strategies in a particular area (e.g. healthcare, education, business, etc.).

Evaluation criteria:

  • Ability to identify and analyse key insights from conference materials – 3 points;
  • Critical thinking and original stress management recommendations – 3 points;
  • Quality and structurality of written work – 2 points;
  • Written work submitted within a specified time period – 2 points;

You must score at least 6 points to pass the task.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Analysis of scientific research article

35.00% from total grade
10 points

Student searches for scientific article on stress management topics in RSU databases and performs its analysis. Student prepares presentation and participates in the seminar.

Evaluation criteria:

  • A presentation of a research article is prepared and submitted in time – 1 point;
  • The research article is presented in the seminar – 2 points;
  • The presentation shall reflect the subject of the study, the relevance and purpose of the study, the sample of respondents and its characteristics, the research instruments used – 3 points;
  • The results and conclusions of the sresearch article are analysed on the basis of theoretical knowledge acquired in the lectures and practical classes of the study course – 2 points;
  • Personal and professional benefits are described - 1 point;
  • The presentation time limit is respected - 1 point.
2.

Development of an individual stress management plan

35.00% from total grade
10 points

Student performs analysis of personal life situation, evaluating daily stressors and developing a stress management plan. Student prepares presentation and participates in the seminar.

Evaluation criteria:

  • A presentation on the stress management plan is prepared and submitted within a specified time limit - 1 point.
  • The individual stress management plan is presented at the seminar -1 point;
  • Daily stressors are identified and defined – 1 point;
  • Describes individual personality traits and their relationship to stress perception - 1 point;
  • The stress management plan integrates both immediate and preventive stress management techniques - 1 point;
  • One of the stress management techniques from the course (e.g. one of the respiratory techniques; relaxation exercises, etc.) is applied and self-reflection is given on the use of this technique – 2 points;
  • 2-4 literature sources are used and references to them in the text are appropriately indicated - 2 points;
  • The presentation time limit is respected - 1 point.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Introduction to stress theory. Physiological process of stress. Positive and negative stress.
  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Impact of stress on physical and psychological health.
  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Occupational burnout syndrome.
  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Stress and personality. Factors forming individual stress reactions, their recognition.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Stress and personality. Factors forming individual stress reactions, their recognition.
  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

The role of emotions in the mechanism of stress. Regulation of emotions.
  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Crisis situations, understanding of stress reactions in a crisis, principles of crisis intervention.
  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Time management.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Time management.
  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Stress coping, regulation and management. Breathing, physical activity / relaxation, sleep, nutrition, social dimension, mental practices.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Stress coping, regulation and management. Breathing, physical activity / relaxation, sleep, nutrition, social dimension, mental practices.
  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Stress reduction methods: autogenic training, meditation, visualization
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Stress management in recent research.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Stress management in recent research.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

A set of stress prevention measures. Development and presentation of an individual stress prevention program.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

A set of stress prevention measures. Development and presentation of an individual stress prevention program.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Ābeltiņa, M. Profesionālā izdegšana : pamanīt un novērst izdegšanu, atgūt darba efektivitāti un dzīvesprieku. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2023

2.

Rība A. Laika menedžments: veiksmīgai darbībai un savas dzīves kontrolei. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2020

3.

Mārtinsone K., Miltuze A. Psiholoģija 2. Personība, grupa, sabiedrība, kultūra. Zvaigzne ABC, 2015

4.

Seljē H. Mana mūža stress. Jumava, 2012

Additional Reading

1.

LinkMcKenna, P. Stresa vadība : pārstāj raizēties un jūties labi - tūlīt pat! Rīga: Avots, 2021

2.

Mārtinsone K., Sudraba V. Veselības psiholoģija: teorijas un prakses starpdisciplinārā perspektīvā. RSU, 2019

3.

Dispenza, Dž. „Atbrīvojies no ieradumu spēka!”. Rīga: apgāds „Lietusdārzs”, 2015

4.

Gavaina, Š. „Radošā vizualizācija”. Rīga: apgāds „Zvaigzne ABC”, 2011

5.

Kuzņecovs V. Stress un depresija. Rīga: Lietišķas informācijas dienests, 2010

6.

Roja Ž. Stress un vardarbība darbā. Ko darīt? Rīga: Latvijas Ergonomikas biedrība, 2016

Other Information Sources

1.

Kukle, G. Laika plānošana. Vai nepieciešams izdarīt visu? 8. starptautiskā zinātniski praktiskā konference "Veselība un personības attīstība: starpdisciplinārā pieeja", 2022

2.

Stierle, C. Self-compassion – a helpful approach in treating chronic diseases? 8. starptautiskā zinātniski praktiskā konference "Veselība un personības attīstība: starpdisciplinārā pieeja", 2022 (video from 20:00 min)

3.

Robinson, J. Therapy of Writing. 8. starptautiskā zinātniski praktiskā konference "Veselība un personības attīstība: starpdisciplinārā pieeja", 2022

4.

Harlamova, J. Kā palīdzēt sev un citiem nenoteiktības laikā? 8. starptautiskā zinātniski praktiskā konference "Veselība un personības attīstība: starpdisciplinārā pieeja", 2022

5.

Pašpalīdzība un psiholoģiskā palīdzība. Psiholoģijas dienas 2021

6.

Paičs, I. Self-help practice as form of individual psychological support. RSU Starptautiskā sarpdisciplinārā sociālo zinātņu konference 2019