The goal of this teaching model, which is designed to occupy approximately 8 class periods of 50 minutes each, is to improve the health and well-being of high school students through instruction in recognizing personal distress and utilizing effective coping techniques. Each of the six lessons (Introduction, Recognizing Our Stress Symptoms, How Stress Affects the Body, Our Lifestyle Can Reduce Stress, Coping, and Coping--Quieting Response) focuses on a competency, e.g., understanding that stress is a natural response. Performance objectives relevant to each competency are stated and activities are suggested for accomplishing each objective. The time needed for each is also suggested. Accompanying diagrams and charts which illustrate various aspects of the lessons (physiological stress, distress and coping, the physiology of stress, and a distress "prevention" lifestyle) are provided, along with a teacher's guide for their use. A bibliography of selected readings is included. (AG)