While stress is often associated with burnout and health risks, emerging research and cultural wisdom highlight an alternate form eustress, or positive stress—that can foster growth, focus, and resilience. This 50-minute workshop offers a culturally informed exploration of eustress, grounded in values common across Asian and Pacific Islander communities, such as kuleana (shared responsibility), jeong (deep relational connection), and collectivism. Designed for clinicians, educators, and helping professionals, this interactive session invites participants to examine how cultural perspectives shape our responses to stress—and how reframing stress as a meaningful challenge rather than a threat can empower individuals and communities alike. Drawing from neuroscience, cultural psychology, and lived clinical experience, the presenters will offer tools to differentiate between distress and eustress and to cultivate motivation without collapse. Through guided exercises, group discussion, and reflective practice, attendees will identify their own stress patterns and leave with practical strategies for recognizing and channeling eustress in culturally responsive ways. Emphasis will be placed on working within community-based and collectivist frameworks, supporting participants to build strength and capacity aligned with their values and environments. Co-facilitated by two mental health professionals, this workshop provides a fresh take on stress through the lens of cultural resilience. Participants will be encouraged to reimagine their relationship with pressure and performance—whether personal, academic, or professional—while learning how to foster positive stress in themselves and those they serve.

Authors:
Jina Uyeda, Centered Hawaiʻi, LLC, United States
Abby Go, Independent Scholar, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Jina Uyeda, PsyD, LMFT, CSAC, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor based in Hawai‘i, with over 12 years of experience in trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, and culturally responsive training.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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