P04.28. Implementing a mind-body medicine relaxation training program in an urban high school: changes in health behaviors, perceived stress, and anxiety

H Wilson,H Benson,M Wilcher,R Chudnofsky,J Denninger,G Fricchione,M Scult,L Malloy

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-s1-p298

Abstract

Purpose The negative impact of excessive stress on adolescents is linked to increased substance abuse, violence, and depression. The Relaxation Response (RR), a physiologic response opposite to the fight-or-flight response, has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety/depression and reducing stress in high school students. Several studies have demonstrated that RR-based interventions that involve psychoeducation and teaching relaxation strategies are related to decreased anxiety and perceived stress in high school students. These interventions have previously been led by study staff. This study’s objective was to assess the feasibility of having high school teachers implement an RR curriculum with their own students.

Highlights

The negative impact of excessive stress on adolescents is linked to increased substance abuse, violence, and depression
Several studies have demonstrated that Relaxation Response (RR)-based interventions that involve psychoeducation and teaching relaxation strategies are related to decreased anxiety and perceived stress in high school students
We taught teachers in a local public high school a RR curriculum that used diaphragmatic breathing, imagery, and relaxation training. Teachers implemented this curriculum with students, and we assessed changes in selfreported teacher and student health behaviors, perceived stress, and anxiety using a pre-intervention/post-intervention survey

Summary

Introduction

The negative impact of excessive stress on adolescents is linked to increased substance abuse, violence, and depression. Implementing a mind-body medicine relaxation training program in an urban high school: changes in health behaviors, perceived stress, and anxiety H Wilson*, M Scult, M Wilcher, R Chudnofsky, L Malloy, G Fricchione, H Benson, J Denninger From International Research Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health 2012 Portland, Oregon, USA.

Results

Conclusion