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QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS ABOUT STRESSBUSTERS
How did Stressbusters get started?
The Stressbusters program was created by Jordan Friedman in 1996 at Columbia University, also a location for the ‘80s movie, Ghostbusters. Jordan, then director of Columbia’s health education program, started Stressbusters in response to continuous student and staff calls for more ways to conveniently reduce their stress.
To date, Stressbusters programs at Columbia, St. John's, Harvard, Washington University and other schools have provided more than 60,000 backrubs from approximately 1,800 trained students at hundreds of campus locations.
Is there any evidence that brief seated backrubs do anything to reduce stress and related symptoms?
Yes. According to a 2005 University of Illinois analysis of 37 studies on the effects of massage, brief one-time backrubs of the type provided by Stressbusters reduced anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. The same review found that short massages over time reduced these same psychological and physical states as well as depression and pain. The study also revealed that individuals with limited training could provide backrubs that produce beneficial results. Click here to review complete study results.
Is the touching that's part of the program a potential problem?
Touching could be a problem in any situation if it is unwanted. Here's how Stressbusters programs have remained safe, educational and rewarding for all involved:
- all Stressbusters backrubs are provided in public spaces by teams of students
- student Stressbusters are trained and required to inform backrub recipients about the content and goals of a backrub before it is given
- all backrub recipients must consent to receiving a backrub
- established and tested program policies define and require the provision of a specific backrub technique, communication and feedback before and during backrubs, and successful completion of Stressbusters training
How do students become Stressbusters?
Students who sign up
to become Stressbusters attend training sessions
led by a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) who demonstrates
and teaches simple techniques for reducing muscle tension to
promote relaxation. The training also teaches students how
to communicate with their back-rub recipients to ensure respect
and maximum relaxation. Additionally, trainees learn how to be wellness information and resource "ambassadors" to attendees at Stressbusters events.
What do student Stressbusters do after they are trained?
After
students successfully complete a Stressbusters training, they
work in teams with other Stressbusters to provide free back
rubs at public events. These events are planned
by the Stressbusters program, or they are scheduled in advance
in response to requests from RAs, student groups, administrative
departments and others. Student Stressbusters are notified
about upcoming events by program coordinators and
sign up for those that fit their schedules.
Do Stressbusters programs operate independently, or are they
part of another program or department on campus?
Stressbusters programs can be part of health promotion, health services,
residential life, student affairs and/or other student services
divisions. Because Stressbusters involves and benefits many campus constituencies, SHACs, Greek letter organizations, Student Activities, Admissions, Athletics, HR and other groups and departments
can also play a key role in its funding, development and operation.
Who coordinates the Stressbusters program?
Stressbusters is
jointly installed and launched by students and professional staff with training, guidance and materials from Jordan Friedman. Once
the program is up and running on campus, specially selected and trained
students coordinate day-to-day activities with staff serving
primarily as operational advisors. These activities include event request processing, communication with student Stressbusters and program marketing. After installation, Jordan and 'Stressbusters Central' continue to develop and provide expert guidance, student recruitment materials and many more success-boosting supports outlined here.
How long does it take to set up a Stressbusters program and
what is involved?
Stressbusters programs take 3-4 months to
develop. The
major phases of the program’s development are:
- selecting and training a local Stressbusters development
team of students and staff who will work with Jordan to install the program on campus
- establishing an administrative and operational structure
for the program including its base of operations, team communication
procedures and the program development timetable
- recruitment and training of student Stressbusters
- program launch, event production and community outreach
What is Jordan Friedman's specific role?
During
a program’s development period, Jordan works closely with
the campus development team to install, market, launch and
manage the new program. He is responsible for coordinating
the program’s overall development, timetable and communications
so that campus development team members can continue to focus
on their other responsibilities. Jordan provides student
recruitment assistance, on-site training, web-based program management tools, print and on-line stress reduction material, and
evaluation support--all of which can be used for
the life of the program. In addition, Jordan continuously monitors
the program’s quality and output to ensure its credibility
with students, administrators and the press.
Does it make sense to install a Stressbusters program if we already have a massage therapist who comes to campus each week?
Yes, because Stressbusters and Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT's) are very different and can promote and support each other's distinct health promotion efforts. Student Stressbusters are not trained to provide lengthy, deep and therapeutic massage. They do, however, make it possible to offer low-intensity and rapid relaxation breaks to many students and staff where they live, study and work. Additionally, Stressbusters events serve as mobile health information outposts that promote campus health events and services. Rather than working at odds, Stressbusters can promote LMT services and an LMT can be a valuable asset to the development of Stressbusters programs.
How much do Stressbusters programs cost?
Stressbusters is an economically smart way to quickly create an enduring stress management movement on campus that regularly reaches community members with wellness information and services. The cost to install Stressbusters is the same as bringing a few one-time speakers to campus. This fee includes Jordan Friedman's coordination and guidance, on-site training, program management and marketing tools, evaluation support, and much more, during and for one full semester after the program's installation. After that, schools pay a much lower annual fee and continue to receive all of the above support plus many valuable benefits that come from being part of the Stressbusters network, including best practice ideas, resource sharing and new program assets continuously produced as Stressbusters schools customize and expand their programs' offerings. Click here for a detailed list of materials and services that your campus will receive from Stressbusters.
Call Jordan Friedman directly for specific pricing and to talk about how Stressbusters can best advance your school's wellness and outreach objectives: 917.885.2940.
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Stressbusters training teaches students traditional back, shoulder and arm relaxation techniques, communication essentials for personal contact, and how to talk about campus support resources with event attendees and passersby.
"Students are now seeing Stressbusters as part of the larger wellness picture, are more receptive to other topics, and are more aware of wellness services."
Kathryn Hutchinson, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Student Wellness
St. John's University
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