Stress Reduction Intervention Research Articles

Exploring Strategies to Build Resiliency in Nurses During Work Hours.

This pilot study investigated increasing nurse resiliency utilizing a toolkit of stress-reducing interventions on medical-surgical units at 4 hospitals. Resiliency-building activities are time consuming and undertaken outside work hours. Although the activities show a positive impact on resilience, researchers investigated whether similar results could be achieved where nurses experience work stress. This quasi-experimental pretest and posttest interventional study used a within-subjects design. Provided toolkits included written instructions to carry out the study. Nurses completed surveys at baseline, at 10 time points over a 6-week period, and at study conclusion. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 scores increased significantly at follow-up (P < .02). Self-reported stress levels decreased over the 10 shifts with continued use of the interventions. Using stress-reducing interventions during work decreased stress and increased resiliency, thereby offering nurse leaders additional options to promote a healthy workforce at the bedside.

Mindfulness interventions improve momentary and trait measures of attentional control: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial.

Mindfulness interventions have been shown to improve several subcomponents of attention; however, the psychological mechanisms driving these improvements are unknown. Mindfulness interventions train individuals to monitor present moment experiences while adopting an attitude of acceptance toward these experiences. We conducted a theoretically driven randomized controlled trial to test the putative mechanisms of mindfulness training that drive improvements in attentional control. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: (a) monitor and accept (MA) training, a standard 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention that included cultivation of both monitoring and acceptance skills; (b) monitor only (MO) training, a well-matched modified 8-week MBSR-adapted intervention that focused on monitoring skills only; or (c) no treatment (NT) control. Momentary attentional control was measured via ecological momentary assessment for 3 days at baseline and postintervention. Trait attentional control was assessed at baseline and postintervention using traditional self-report. Participants also completed a dichotic listening task to assess sustained attention at baseline and postintervention. We found that MA and MO participants improved in momentary and trait attentional control (but not attention task performance) relative to NT participants. Analyses of indirect effects were consistent with the possibility that increased momentary attentional control partially accounts for MA/MO intervention-related increases in trait attentional control. This randomized controlled trial provides one of the first experimental tests of the mechanisms of mindfulness interventions that drive improvements in attention outcomes. These findings support the notion that present-focused monitoring skills training drives mindfulness intervention-related improvements in momentary attentional control, which in turn fosters greater trait attentional control. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) Intervention on Well-Being, Resilience and Burnout of Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on teachers professional and personal lives. Our primary aim was to assess the effect of a blended Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR), an emerging mindfulness and cognitive reframing intervention on teacher’s well-being. Our secondary aims were to assess the effect of IBSR on resilience, burnout, mindfulness, and stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was a prospective controlled trial with an intervention group (N = 35) and a comparison control group (N = 32). The intervention took place in the Jerusalem District throughout the school year from November 2019 to May 2020. The sessions were conducted in blended learning that included traditional learning (face-to-face) and online learning. Data was analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: IBSR blended intervention enhanced the resilience and improved the subjective and psychological well-being of teachers in spite of the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic and the first lockdown in Israel. Simultaneously the control group suffered from enhanced burnout levels and a decline in psychological and subjective well-being. Conclusions: Implementation of IBSR blended intervention during the school year may benefit teachers’ well-being and ability to flourish, even during stressful events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The application of a stress reduction intervention in patients with chronic diseases in Greece

IntroductionThis is the presentation of a postdoc research protocol under the supervision of University of Peloponnese, regarding the application of a program for stress reduction. Τhe intervention consisted of a psychoeducational session explaining the stress effect in the brain and the way that relaxation breathing is working, a training session on relaxation breathing and 2 more sessions, one with relaxation breathing and one with trigger points acupressure in the back of the patients.ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to test the effectiveness of relaxations techniques in patients with chronic diseases in a Greek General Hospital.MethodsOut of 335 participants, 153 were found to have high stress levels in the DASS scale and the stress VAS scale that was used for the intervention. 151 of them (49(32, 5%) males), agreed to participate in the intervention with relaxation breathing and 99 in the acupressure session. Diagnosis of the participants were: anxiety disorder (18.5%), Thalassaemia Major(31.1%), Crohn (26.5%), Kidney failure (9.9%) and major depression (13.9%). Analysis was performed with SPSS 24.ResultsThe results in DASS stress scale revealed that 54.3 % of the sample had very severe and 24.3% severe stress levels while 58.9% had very severe anxiety levels in DASS anxiety scale. Pair sample t test show statistically significant differences before and after the application of breathing relaxation t150=24.725 p=0.001, as well in the application of acupressure t98=15.901 p=0.001.ConclusionsAccording to the results of the present intervention, relaxation techniques can be very helpful as complimentary treatments for patients with chronic diseasesDisclosureNo significant relationships.

Virtual reality-based relaxation for enhancement of perioperative well-being and quality of life: protocol for a randomised pilot trial

IntroductionPatients with cancer undergoing surgery often suffer from reduced quality of life and various forms of distress. Untreated distress can negatively affect coping resources as well as surgical and oncological...

The efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention in ameliorating externalizing behaviors and attentional concerns among college students

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention among college students with externalizing behaviors and attentional problems. Participants: Three students attending their first year in college received mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention and data were collected pre-intervention, during the intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up. Methods: The study utilized a single-case design (SCD). Data were collected via the Conners continuous performance test, Third Edition (CPT-3), the Conners Continuous Auditory Test of Attention (CATA), the Behavioral Assessment Scale for Children, Flex Monitor, Third Edition (BASC-3 FM), and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results: Data were analyzed by calculating standard error of the difference, reliable change index, non-overlap of all pairs (NAP), and Tau-U. Conclusions: The results of this study strongly suggest that mindfulness may be an effective intervention for addressing externalizing behaviors and attentional problems among first-year college students.

Critical thinking intervention for stress reduction among undergraduates in the Nigerian Universities.

Background:The stress level of undergraduates is increasing at an alarming rate. This study's objective was to determine the effect of critical thinking intervention (CTI) for stress reduction among undergraduates in Nigerian Universities.Methods:This research used a pretest-posttest design. Participants were 103 undergraduates who had experienced a high level of stress. The Academic Stress Questionnaire (ASQ) and the Educational Stress Scale (ESSS) were the measures used for data collection in the study, while repeated measures analysis of variance was used for data analysis.Results:Before the intervention, assessment results showed that the stress level of participants was high, with no difference between those undergraduates in the treatment group and those in the no-treatment control group. After the intervention, the assessment results indicated a significant reduction in the undergraduates’ stress level in the treatment group compared to those in the no-treatment control group. Further significant reduction was observed in the undergraduates’ stress level in the treatment group compared to those in the no-treatment control group after follow-up assessment.Conclusion:The authors concluded that CTI intervention was significantly effective for stress reduction among undergraduates in Nigerian Universities. Therefore, counselors are called upon to adopt the principle of CTI intervention to help patients under stress reduce their stress levels.

Preliminary evidence for a race-based stress reduction intervention for Black women at risk for cardiovascular disease

ObjectiveDespite evidence that chronic stress, racism, and discrimination impact the well-being and the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Black women, there are few evidence-based interventions that improve well-being and reduce the risk for CVD in women of minority groups. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the psychobehavioral and anti-inflammatory benefit of a race-based stress reduction program “Resilience, Stress, and Ethnicity (RiSE) for Black women at risk for CVD. Methods: Black women were recruited from the Chicagoland community and randomized to either the 8-week RiSE intervention (n = 40) or control group (n = 34). Participants were assessed for coping strategies, psychological distress, and blood levels of TNF-alpha and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks after baseline. Results: Participation in RiSE was associated with a more rapid decline in the use of avoidance coping (b = -0.3585, SE = 0.1705, p < .01). Reductions over time in TNF-alpha (b = -0.0163, SE = .0087, p = .08) and hsCRP (b= -0.4064, SE = 0.2270, p = .08) approached statistical significance. Conclusions: Findings provide preliminary evidence in Black women at risk for CVD that RiSE contributes to decreases in avoidance coping. Although preliminary, these results suggest RiSE to be an effective intervention to promote improved coping associated with racism and discrimination in minorities.

Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Effective for People with Hypertension? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 30 Years of Evidence.

Background: Hypertension is among the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which are considered high mortality risk medical conditions. To date, several studies have reported positive effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions on physical and psychological well-being in other medical conditions, but no meta-analysis on MBSR programs for hypertension has been conducted. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of MBSR programs for hypertension. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the effects of MBSR on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in people with hypertension or pre-hypertension was conducted. The PubMed/MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched in November 2020 to identify relevant studies. Results: Six studies were included. The comparison of MBSR versus control conditions on diastolic BP was associated with a statistically significant mean effect size favoring MBSR over control conditions (MD = −2.029; 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.676 to −0.383, p = 0.016, k = 6; 22 effect sizes overall), without evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 0.000%). The comparison of MBSR versus control conditions on systolic BP was associated with a mean effect size which was statistically significant only at a marginal level (MD = −3.894; 95% CI: −7.736–0.053, p = 0.047, k = 6; 22 effect sizes overall), without evidence of high heterogeneity (I2 = 20.772%). The higher the proportion of participants on antihypertensive medications was, the larger the effects of MBSR were on systolic BP (B = −0.750, z = −2.73, p = 0.003). Conclusions: MBSR seems to be a promising intervention, particularly effective on the reduction of diastolic BP. More well-conducted trials are required.

An intervention to improve coping strategies in adult male prisoners with a history of traumatic brain injury: A pilot randomised clinical trial

Objective: To determine whether a psychological intervention improves coping, post-concussion symptoms and decreases in-prison infractions in adult males with a history of traumatic brain injury. Design: A single centre, randomised, wait-list, pilot study. Setting: A high security prison in New Zealand. Subjects: Fifty-five adult male participants who had experienced at least one traumatic brain injury in their lifetime (mean age 37.29 +/−9.81 years). Intervention: A manualised ten session, in-person, group based combined Cognitive Behavioural Therapy /Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction intervention versus wait list control. Main measures: The Negative Affect Repair Questionnaire and Rivermead Post-concussion Symptom Questionnaire were completed at baseline, post-intervention (five weeks) and at 12 week follow up. In-prison misconduct charges and negative file notes were reviewed for the previous five weeks at each assessment time point. Results: There was an improvement in the use of calming and distraction strategies in the intervention group from baseline (x̄ = 17.38, SD = 3.57) to post-intervention (x̄ = 18.67, SD = 3.84) and 12-week follow up (x̄ = 18.13, SD = 2.63). Participants in the intervention group had significantly higher negative affect repair on the calming and distractive strategies subscale following completion of the intervention, compared to wait-list controls (F = 4.69, P = 0.04) with a moderate effect size (ηp2 = 0.11). Improvements in use of calming and distractive strategies was not sustained at the twelve-week follow-up (F = 0.87, P = 0.36). There was no-significant improvement on other negative affect subscales or for post-concussion symptoms or decrease in-prison infractions. Conclusion: A manualised psychological intervention may have the potential to facilitate the development of positive coping strategies in prisoners with a history of traumatic brain injury.

A169 EXPLORING PATIENT PERSPECTIVES ON AN ONLINE STRESS REDUCTION BASED WELLNESS INTERVENTION IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)

Abstract Background Despite strong connections between stress and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated symptoms, there has been limited research on stress reduction interventions for patients with IBD. Moreover, the research that has been conducted on this topic has shown mixed results with very few studies having used qualitative methodology to explore the patient experience. Aims Our objectives for this study were to explore: (i) the experience of having IBD, (ii) the influence of an online 12-week stress reduction program on participant’s physical and emotional symptoms of IBD and (iii) the acceptability of the online program. Methods We used a qualitative descriptive approach embedded within a larger randomised control trial (RCT) to explore the experiences of participants. Upon completion of the program, participants were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed through an inductive process whereby transcripts were coded, with codes grouped into larger categories and then themes. Data collection and analysis occurred in a concurrent and iterative manner to enable refinement of interview questions and reflections on the research process. Results We analysed a total of 55 interviews. Three main themes emerged from the data: (i) IBD as a source of stress and uncertainty, (ii) understanding the positive impacts of the stress reduction program, and (iii) enhancing program desirability. Participants reported a reduction in IBD symptom burden with improvements in their ability to manage everyday and disease-associated stressors, while building a positive mindset. Weekly check-ins with program facilitators enabled participants to build routine, enhancing accountability. Variation in program content and fostering connections with others in the IBD community were identified as potential program improvements. Conclusions Our findings highlight the debilitating nature of IBD, with participants reporting significant disruptions to daily activities, uncertainty, and stress which served to worsen symptoms. Stress reduction programs like the one explored in our study offer an accessible avenue for reducing perceived stress, enhancing resilience and improving the physical condition of individuals diagnosed with IBD. Future research should explore the application of online stress reduction programs in patients experiencing other gastrointestinal disease. Funding Agencies CIHRUniversity Hospital Foundation, American College of Gastroenterology, CIHR IMAGINE grant

Standardized stress reduction interventions and blood pressure habituation: Secondary results from a randomized controlled trial.

The present article reports new analyses of a published randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and a passive control condition on blood pressure habituation-a secondary outcome. Psychological mediators of intervention effects were examined. Participants (138 healthy adults reporting moderate/high stress) were randomly assigned to 6-week MBSR, CBT, or a waitlist control. Analyses were conducted on 86 participants who subsequently completed stressful speech and mental arithmetic tasks during two posttreatment visits scheduled 48 hr apart. Blood pressure was measured -15, +0, +5, +10, +25, +35, and +60 min poststressor onset. There were no between-condition differences in blood pressure habituation (all ps > .05). However, both MBSR and CBT led to increased perceived control over thoughts, F(2, 72) = 5.20, p = .008, and individuals who displayed a greater change in perceived control over thoughts also displayed greater habituation to the speech portion of the stressor, F(6, 799) = 2.32, p = .020. Results implied an indirect effect of stress reduction interventions on blood pressure habituation via change in perceived control over thoughts (b = -3.93, SE = 1.98, 95% CI: [-8.392, -0.701]). Stress reduction interventions that increase perceived control over thoughts may benefit cardiovascular health by promoting blood pressure habituation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Hope in Women Participating in Alternative Sentencing Programs

Purpose: Alternative sentencing programs for women with nonviolent drug offenses may provide opportunities to change the life trajectories of women and their families. The primary purpose of this study was to assess whether a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention could improve levels of hope following treatment. A second objective was to assess whether MBSR intervention could influence perceived stress, self-compassion, and mindfulness. Methods: Participants attended a 6-week mindfulness class, with outcomes measured using pretest–posttest survey comparison. Results: Paired sample t tests showed improvements in hope, stress, self-compassion, and mindfulness following treatment. Discussion: Community-based intervention models, such as MBSR therapy in alternative sentencing programs, may alleviate negative psychological impacts experienced by female offenders. These results align with previous research that suggests participants may see improved ability to regulate emotions following MBSR therapy. This research indicates that MBSR therapy, for women in alternative sentencing programs, may promote hope as a learned psychological skill.

The Impact of Using Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)intervention for Reducing Teacher Burnout and Enhancing Self-efficacy of teachers of Autism Syndrome Disorder (ASD)

The current study aimed to explore the effectiveness of using Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention on reducing teacher burnout of teachers of Autism Syndrome Disorder (ASD).It is also aimed to investigate the impact of decreased teachers' burnout on enhancing the self-efficacy of those teachers. To achieve such goal, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention and Oldenburg teacher burnout inventory, and Self-efficacy Scale. The sample of the study consists of 32 teachers who teach autistic children in the Autistic Behavior School (ABS) in Jahraa district, in the State of Kuwait. They were divided into two groups; the experimental group including 15 ASD teachers and the control group that includes 17 teachers. Both quantitative and qualitative designs were used; the quasi-experimental research design has been adopted in this study to assess the improvement achieved by the experimental group compared with the control group as a result of using the MBSR intervention program. Also, semi-structured interviews have been held with certain teachers with a high level of burnout. Results of the study revealed statistically significant differences in the mean scores of experimental and control groups in favor of the experimental group. MBSR intervention was effective in alleviating teachers' burnout and enhancing their self-efficacy. Based on the study results, it is recommended that mindfulness strategies should be used to alleviate anxiety, depression, stress, and even burnout teachers experience due to their job especially those teaching children with disabilities and autism.

REDUCING THE JOB-RELATED STRESS AMONG NURSING OFFICERS IN A BASE HOSPITAL, SRI LANKA

Introduction: Stress is a one of risk factors affecting all health categories including nursing officers. Objective: To implement a Mindfulness Base Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention for nursing officers at base hospital Horana Sri Lanka. Methodology: Intervention study with randomizing nursing officers for two groups (i.e., control group and intervention group) was conducted in Base hospital, Horana. A sample of 96 nursing officers was randomized to two groups. Prior to randomization, baseline stress level was assessed by Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS). A six-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) package was implemented for intervention group. Similar to the baseline assessment, effectiveness of the MBSR package was assessed following the implementation in both groups. Student t test was used to compare intervention and non-intervention group. Initially, 48 participants were selected for each arm. Out of the remaining participants, 42 in non-intervention group and 41 in the intervention group were completed the post intervention assessment, successfully. Results: Several aspects of stress were improved with the intervention. As examples, perception of stress due to issues of inpatient care including procedure painful to patient (p =001), The death of a patient with whom you develop with a close relationship ( p&lt;0.001)), Physician(s)not being present when patients dying ( p =0.001), watching the patient suffer( p &lt;0.001), were significantly improved in the intervention group. Conclusion: Result of present study shows benefits of MBSR intervention to reduce perception of stress among nursing officers. The MBSR package is recommended for other hospitals.

Alternate Nostril Breathing to Reduce Stress: An Option for Pregnant Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence?

Stress resulting from intimate partner violence (IPV) on pregnant women causes and sustains poor health and contributes to poor pregnancy and birth outcomes. Appropriate interventions to reduce stress in this population of women are warranted. To present a systematic review and the state of the science of evidence on alternate nostril breathing (ANB) as a holistic intervention for stress reduction for pregnant survivors of IPV, framed by complex adaptive systems theory and psychoneuroimmunology. Eight databases and reference lists of potential articles. Randomized controlled trials published between January 2013 and July 2019. Adults. ANB. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. ANB is effective in reducing stress, as measured by psychological and biological indicators. Studies were limited in ethnic and gender diversity, most of the populations being Asian Indian and predominately male. Use of ANB as a safe and effective holistic intervention for stress reduction shows promise, but research in pregnant survivors of IPV is limited. Stress reduction benefits may be significant for pregnant survivors of IPV and their fetuses, with minimal risk.

Attitudes toward a mindfulness-based intervention from African American women living with HIV: A qualitative study.

Introduction:Mindfulness-based interventions train participants to pay attention to their own emotions in the current moment without judging themselves. This study aims to assess the attitudes toward a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention among African American women living with HIV.Methods:We collected qualitative data from three focus group discussions with 18 African American women living with HIV who were purposely recruited from the Palmetto Health-USC Immunology Center in South Carolina, United States. The participants discussed how they coped with stress, and then were given a presentation on mindfulness-based stress reduction and a sample mindfulness-based stress reduction mini workshop with follow-up discussion about their thoughts and opinions on the information presented to them.Results:Participants said that mindfulness could be a useful technique and they were interested in participating in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Their main concerns included physical ability to perform some of the mindfulness techniques (e.g. yoga) and logistic barriers, such as schedule constraints. They also provided some suggestions to further tailor the mindfulness-based stress reduction, such as modifying yoga, using familiar terms, and combining both in-person and online components. These results suggest that African American women living with HIV showed strong interest in mindfulness-based stress reduction and a high level of willingness to participate in mindfulness-based stress reduction, but the existing mindfulness-based stress reduction program needs to be tailored to address challenges and barriers these women may face for attendance and completion.Conclusion:The next step is to further test the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy through a pilot study for African American women living with HIV to practice a tailored mindfulness-based stress reduction for this group.

Supplemental Material for Standardized Stress Reduction Interventions and Blood Pressure Habituation: Secondary Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial

Supplemental Material for Standardized Stress Reduction Interventions and Blood Pressure Habituation: Secondary Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial

Assessing the Suitability of Virtual Reality Content for Stress Reduction among Firefighters

As disaster sites diversify, the need for firefighting is steadily increasing. The stress and anxiety experienced by firefighters at work can cause lack of sleep and chronic fatigue. Firefighters are at risk of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders due to the physical and mental injuries experienced at disaster sites; accordingly, fire departments within each province have set up mental and physical stability rooms to support primary recovery. However, due to lack of scientific effect verification and low utilization rate, these rooms are currently used for purposes other than their intended use. Virtual reality (VR) has recently been used as an intervention for stress reduction and treatment of depression. In order to examine the effectiveness of VR content, a mobile mental and physical stability room was constructed and operated on 124 firefighters. The results of the qualitative analysis showed an effect on stress, but the quantitative analysis revealed no significant difference.

Daily Association Between Sleep and Stressors: Role of Personality Traits

Poor sleep is associated with more stress across adult populations. The sleep—stress relationship is particularly important in nurses who are vulnerable to daily work-related stressors and poor sleep. Nurses with certain personality traits may be more vulnerable, however, the role that personality plays in the sleep-stress relationship has not previously been examined with lack of research in nurses. We examined how personality moderated the association between sleep characteristics and the perception of daily stressors in nurses. Participants were 61 oncology nurses who responded to a background survey that included a personality measure and completed 14 days of ecological momentary assessments. Each morning, participants reported sleep characteristics (i.e., perceived sleep sufficiency, sleep duration). Three times daily, participants reported their stressor experiences. We used multilevel models adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, work shift, and work day. Results showed that on average across 2 weeks, participants with higher sleep sufficiency (β=-21.06, p<.05) and longer sleep duration (β=-11.80, p<.05) reported lower stressor severity. Agreeableness moderated the sleep duration—stressor severity association (β=25.07, p<.01), such that longer sleep duration was associated with lower stressor severity for participants with lower agreeableness (β =-17.39, p<.01), but not those with higher agreeableness (β=5.66, p>.05). These findings indicate that the protective nature of longer sleep duration on stressful experiences may not occur in nurses high in agreeableness. Nurses high in agreeableness may take on more responsibilities, exposing themselves to more daily stress. Thus, nurses who are high in agreeableness may be a good target population for stress-reduction interventions.