Background and History of ISMA^UK

Why Our History Matters

Prospective sponsors and partners can be confident they are working with a long-established organisation that has been leading the field of stress management, mental health and workplace wellbeing for over fifty years.

Founded in 1974, ISMA^UK has spent over fifty years at the forefront of stress management, mental health and workplace wellbeing. From its early roots in the United States to its current role as an international professional body and charity, ISMA^UK has helped shape how stress and wellbeing are understood and managed in organisations around the world.

“ISMA^UK has been at the forefront of recognising the impact of stress on people and organisations for decades. Its work has never been more important.”
Professor Sir Cary Cooper CBE, Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health and ISMA^UK Patron

How ISMAUK Began

ISMAUK’s origins go back to 1974, when the American Association for the Advancement of Tension Control (AAATC) was formed in the USA. Its members came mainly from education and health – including physicians, psychotherapists and professors of health and physical education – who were interested in understanding and managing stress more effectively.

The first international conference of the Association was held in London in 1979. Following this very successful event, it was agreed that the name should change to the International Stress and Tension Control Society (ISTCS), reflecting the growing international focus and a shared interest in stress management. The name change was completed in 1981.

Becoming the International Stress Management Association

A second conference, held at the University of Sussex in 1983, was attended by delegates from 22 countries and helped to sow the seeds for further development. In 1984, the UK and French branches were formed, strengthening the Association’s international presence.

The third conference, held in Edinburgh in 1988, led to the founding of further international branches. In 1989, at a meeting in Calais, the directors agreed to rename the organisation the International Stress Management Association (ISMA).

As ISMA, the Association’s aim was to bring together practitioners in stress research and stress management from around the world, providing mutual support, introductions and a platform for sharing best practice. With branches in several countries and members in many more, ISMA developed a truly global reach that continues today. You can see details of ISMA^UK’s current international branches and representatives on our International Team pages.

ISMA^UK’s Purpose – Then and Now

Although ISMA^UK’s name and structure have evolved over the years, its core purpose has remained remarkably consistent. 

ISMA^UK exists to:

• Raise the profile of stress-related issues at work and at home.
• Challenge the stigma often associated with personal stress and mental health.
• Promote better ways of managing and reducing stress and improving mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and beyond.

Leading Campaigns and Global Events

ISMA^UK has a long track record of leading high-profile campaigns and events that raise awareness and encourage practical action.

In 1998, ISMA^UK founded National Stress Awareness Day in the UK. In 2018, this grew into International Stress Awareness Week, with Stress Awareness Day at its midpoint. These initiatives now involve activities in the UK and across ISMA International branches worldwide.

As part of International Stress Awareness Week, ISMA^UK hosts an online Global Stress & Wellbeing Summit, bringing together business leaders, practitioners, HR professionals, consultants and others who are committed to healthier workplace cultures.

In 2024, to mark ISMA^UK’s 50th anniversary, we launched the ISMAUK Stress Management Awards, recognising excellence in workplace wellbeing, psychological safety and stress reduction. These Awards celebrate organisations, teams and individuals who demonstrate leadership, innovation and impact in building healthier, more psychologically safe workplaces.

ISMA^UK Today
Today, ISMA^UK is recognised as a leading professional body for workplace and personal stress management, wellbeing and performance. 

As a registered charity, ISMA^UK:

• Promotes sound knowledge and best practice in stress management, nationally and internationally.
• Maintains a register of professional practitioners and consultants.
• Offers support to individuals through advisory work, coaching and guidance.
• Provides training and development in workplaces across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

ISMA^UK continues to work with employers, practitioners, educators and policymakers to encourage healthier ways of living and working, with a focus on reducing stress and improving mental health and wellbeing.

Find Out More or Work With Us

If you would like to explore partnership opportunities, find out more about ISMA^UK’s work and history, or discuss how our expertise could support your organisation’s wellbeing and performance, please contact our administrator:

Claire Parkinson, ISMA^UK
Email: admin@isma.org.uk