This program was for Active-Duty, Reserve, and civilian Marines and their families.

Growing the Green - Basic Stress Management (Basic Stress Management) was a worksite program that was designed to help participants learn to identify and manage everyday and military-related stress, enhance personal well-being, and strengthen relationships.

No peer-reviewed publications evaluating the effectiveness of this program were located.

Goals of the Basic Stress Management program included the following:

• Understand basic information about stress, including differences between stress and stressors, internal and external stressors, and eustress and distress;
• Explain the Combat & Operational Stress Continuum, which was developed as a way to relate to stress using four color-coded zones: Green (Ready), Yellow (Reacting), Orange (Injured), and Red (Ill) zones;
• Identify two or more personal symptoms of stress;
• Determine two or more personal strategies for managing stress;
• Name two or more resources, such as Military OneSource, to help Marine families manage stress; and
• Create an Individual Action Plan for managing stress by "growing the green." Participants identify their individual stressors and discuss different strategies for managing stress, such as challenging distorted thinking; managing time; practicing proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep habits; and utilizing various relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation.

The program consisted of lectures, activities, and group discussions.  In addition, an online e-learning module was available for participants to use as a refresher component.

The Basic Stress Management program has been implemented on all Marine Corps installations.

No training was required to implement this program.

This program is no longer available; however, considerations for implementing a similar program might include obtaining a facilitator who has general knowledge and understanding of the military lifestyle; acquiring handbooks, a computer and screen for PowerPoint presentations, and supplies, including a white board and a timer; locating space to hold the workshop; coordinating child care, if needed; and understanding the program may be implemented at any time; however, presenting program content prior to stressful events may be helpful.

The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

If you are interested in implementing a program similar to Basic Stress Management, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Program length was 2.5 hours, and this included mentor teaching time and social interaction and discussion time.

This program was free to Marine Corps leaders.

To move Basic Stress Management to the Promising category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation should be performed demonstrating positive effects lasting at least one year from the beginning of the program or at least six months from program completion.

The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu

This program is no longer available.

www.mccsyuma.org/index.cfm/military-family/family-team-building/life-skills/ (This website no longer contains program information) and Basic Stress Management Facilitator Guide V.1 (2013).