Question

Which nursing intervention is most helpful to support improvement in an anxious individual's sense of control and competence?

1
Provide large amounts of praise when the individual accomplishes assigned tasks.
2
Educate the individual regarding the usefulness of stress management techniques.
3
Help the individual identify several stress situations that he or she successfully managed.
4
Have the individual describe how to demonstrate control and competence over stress

Answer 1

Helping anxious individuals recall past successful stress management experiences is most beneficial for improving their sense of control and competence, enhancing their perceived control, and positively impacting their mental health.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most helpful nursing intervention to support improvement in an anxious individual's sense of control and competence is to help the individual identify several stress situations that he or she successfully managed. This approach emphasizes the individual's existing coping skills and past successes, which can enhance their perceived control and self-efficacy. It aligns with Albert Bandura's assertion that perceived control is closely linked to stress management and acknowledges that a sense of control can have positive effects on an individual's mental health and well-being. Utilizing social support and teaching stress reduction techniques, such as exercise, meditation, or biofeedback, also contribute to a stronger sense of control and can be effective complementary strategies. By helping the individual recognize their ability to handle stress successfully, they are likely to feel more competent and in control, which is protective against the harmful effects of chronic stress and anxiety.