A model of eustress: Health and healing at the individual level

The problem. There are a number of studies which indicate the process by which the degenerative aspects of stress contribute to the acceleration of disease in the body. Many of these models ensue a negative and reactive relationship between the individual and his/her environment. There are, however, relatively few studies, and no adequate models, proposing the concept of eustress and its associated regenerative qualities. The benefits of a positive level of arousal in the interaction with stress for improvement of health cannot even begin without the benefit of any formal model development that would allow for practical application for health and healing; as well as a heuristic device for further refinement of the model of eustress, at the individual level, development of an organizational model of eustress based on the principles of the individual model of eustress; and the development of reliable and valid instruments.;The study. The design and development of a model of eustress at the individual level incorporated a unique investigation and synthesis of related theories, models, and research findings from various fields of study such as physics, psychology, medicine and world religions.;The results. Definitions of eustress and health, based on systems theory, were developed. In addition the variables which are imbued in the process of eustress, which influences health and healing, were identified. Based on these definitions and identification of variables an applicable model of eustress was designed. The model sets forth the variables needed, interrelated and interactive in a dynamic fashion, which produce health and healing via the eustress process. Based on this model, further research suggests application of the model, refinement of the model, and the development of instrumentation to measure important aspects of the model.