Stressbusters
The Stressbusters outreach program and its companion app are among the most popular and engaging wellness resources on college campuses today. Stressbusters dramatically reduces mental health risk factors by training teams of students to be free 5-minute backrub providers and campus health ambassadors at magnetic events all year long.
Stressbusters is tested, flexible and aligns with American Foundation For Suicide Prevention recommendations. Watch this 2-minute Stressbusters video to learn more about why students and staff love the Stressbusters outreach program and app.
Stressbusters Makes a Big Difference
Assessment of the impact of the Stressbusters ground program shows significant risk factor reductions. In one campus study of 1,100 students and staff, participants’ overall stress scores dropped 40% after their Stressbusters experience. Significant decreases in frustration, worry and overwhelmed feelings were found, while increased ability to cope with stress and complete tasks were reported. For 20 years, Stressbusters has helped and trained more than 500,000 students and staff off-line and on. Read the full summary of program assessment findings.
Here’s what students, staff and faculty say about Stressbusters
“The interest and enthusiasm for Stressbusters at Johns Hopkins has been remarkable and it has really helped to enhance the visibility of our office. Jordan Friedman's guidance has been invaluable since he is so familiar with the program and provides all of the necessary start-up tools. Stressbusters has been a win-win all the way around and I highly recommend that other schools implement the program."
-Barbara Schubert, Director of Health Education, Johns Hopkins University
“It was incredible. The energy in the room afterward was so much lighter, happier, healthier... I just can’t say enough good things about Stressbusters.”
"That was the kindest thing anyone's done for me all week."
“I was a student at NYU and I LOVED the stressbusters program. Everybody wanted to either volunteer to give back rubs or, mostly, get one ...especially at the times of exams when you really need to relax. It was a great way to reach out for stressed students and provide a touch of companionship.”
"I love Stressbusters. Even though it’s only a 5-7 minutes backrub, it makes a big difference in my week. Thank you so much for offering the program – please keep it going! I think it was a good way for me, a freshman, to find out about a lot of health related issues and resources.”
“My students’ grades were stellar and I believe that your Stressbusters team contributed to their success because they went into their exams relaxed and rejuvenated.”
“The Stressbusters were wonderful. The experience they provided to our students was unbelievable. I cannot thank you enough!
"I can make it week to week knowing that Stressbusters are around."
"This is my first time at this event and I’m glad stressbusters are here. I feel relaxed and more confident for the first time on campus. Thanks!"
"It’s a no-brainer—every school should have Stressbusters!”
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Unwanted touching is a problem wherever it occurs. This is why Stressbusters volunteers are trained to get consent for the touching they provide. Additionally, Stressbusters always provide backrubs at public, group events which adds feelings of safety and comfort for all attendees. In Stressbusters’ 30-year history, no unwanted touching has been witnessed or reported.
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No. Students are not paid to be Stressbusters, and the backrubs are free.
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Stressbusters Ground and Air can be part of health promotion, health services, counseling, residential life, a recreation center, athletics, student government and/or other departments and groups.
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Yes, both are made to work together or solo. See the Apps section here on site for more information.
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Stressbusters ground programs take 2-3 months to develop. The major phases of the program’s development include:
Customizing and establishing an operational structure for the program
Training student coordinators and staff to manage the program
Recruiting and training student Stressbusters
Launching and marketing the program on campus
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Stressbusters ground programs are jointly installed and launched by students and campus staff with training, guidance and materials from Stressbusters national staff. 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. After installation and launch, national Stressbusters staff continue to develop and provide expert guidance, student recruitment materials and many more success-boosting supports.
After the app is customized and launched, app content is continuously updated by the national Stressbusters program. Campus staff can also updated app content and work with national staff to keep the app’s information and resources current and engaging.
FAQs about Stressbusters