In this episode of Everyday ABA, we unpack how applied behavior analysis (ABA) can be used to manage stress in everyday life—not just for clients, but for behavior analysts, educators, parents, and professionals. Board Certified Behavior Analyst Paola, along with Registered Behavior Technician co-hosts Brittanny and Leslie, discuss the difference between Eustress and Distress, acute vs. chronic stress, and how stress functions in our bodies. We explore research-backed coping strategies rooted in behavioral science, cognitive appraisal theory locus of control, learned optimism, and positive psychology. This episode blends research with real-life examples, practical behavior-change strategies, and CEU-worthy insights on stress, resilience, and reinforcement.
☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba
⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!
📲 Follow us on Instagram:@EveryDayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates.
📖 Get your CEU certificate here: https://forms.gle/DnBx7nk5w3iLuLQk6
CEU Learning Objectives:
- Define and differentiate between acute and chronic stress, eustress and distress, and describe their physiological and behavioral impacts using examples relevant to clinical practice.
- Differentiate between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies and design ABA-based interventions to support both types of coping in clients.
- Apply the concept of internal vs. external locus of control to increase client resilience, including teaching strategies that foster internal control and learned optimism.
- Incorporate positive psychology techniques, including gratitude practices and behavioral activation, into ABA intervention plans to promote resilience against chronic stress.
References:
Achor, S. (2010). The happiness advantage: How a positive brain fuels success in work and life. Crown Business.
Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. Lyle Stuart.
Folkman, S., & Lazarus, R. S. (1980). An analysis of coping in a middle-aged community sample. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 21(3), 219–239. https://doi.org/10.2307/2136617
Holmes, T. H., & Rahe, R. H. (1967). The social readjustment rating scale. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 11(2), 213–218. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0092976
Seligman, M. E. P. (1991). Learned optimism: How to change your mind and your life. Knopf.
Selye, H. (1956). The stress of life. McGraw-Hill.
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com