Professors should keep in mind that the goal is not to eliminate all stress but to help students develop a variety of skills to cope with the negative aspects of stress. If students try strategies for coping and still experience the negative aspects of stress, then faculty should encourage students to seek professional counseling or therapy. This suggestion will more likely be received and acted upon if a good relationship between teacher and student already exists and if teachers are aware of what stress is. Stress inoculation involves giving people realistic warnings, recommendations, and reassurances. Hence, this report has focused on the value of feedback, faculty- student relationships, and stress awareness.
Stress inoculation is associated with giving people information.
Yet little research in the field of higher education describes how best to inform students about the challenges of higher learning. Research in the fields of combat and health care demonstrates mixed results regarding the value of information. Thus, a need exists to identify the factors that influence the helpfulness of information in reducing stress. More research is needed to identify the constructive side of professional intimacy, self-disclosure, and mentoring. Further research could determine why and how teacher-student relationships deteriorate and help faculty construct more successful relationships.