This group curriculum seeks to encourage student establishment of more realistic expectations, more consistent use of adaptive coping skills, and reduced levels of anxiety and stress among high-achieving students. Potential protective factors and interventions are drawn from counseling theories and case studies where high-achieving students have found support and success. The curriculum incorporates psychological concepts such as self-constructs, emotion management, thought processes, and the negative effects of chronic stress. A here-and-now or process-focused approach forms the foundation for each lesson and students learn to use adaptive coping skills with the support of a professional school counselor. Parents have an opportunity for education and students learn how to communicate their feelings to individuals who may be positioned to support students in high-stress times.California State University, Northridge. Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling
