Stress management training

Stress management training is not a molecular target, receptor, enzyme, or protein, but rather a category of behavioral and psychological interventions and educational programs designed to help individuals cope with or reduce the negative effects of psychological stress. These interventions include a broad range of techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, meditation, exercise, healthy lifestyle guidance, and mind-body medicine[1][3][4][5][7]. Specific programs, like the Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) developed at the Benson-Henry Institute, integrate mind-body skills, cognitive reappraisal, relaxation methods, and lifestyle modification to build resilience and reduce stress-related symptomatology[1][3]. While stress management training can modulate physiological parameters, such as nervous system activation, hormone levels (e.g., cortisol), and immune-related gene expression (e.g., the CTRA pattern), it does not correspond to a defined molecular entity or conventional drug target[2][4][6]. Therefore, it is not a therapeutic target in the molecular sense, but a multi-component behavioral intervention with applications for wellness, prevention, and adjunctive care in diverse health populations.

Other names

Stress managementStress management interventionsSMART ProgramStress Management and Resiliency TrainingCognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM)Mind-body trainingMindfulness training