Stress Management Practices Research Articles

Stress Management Intervention: A Pilot Evaluation in an Urban Adolescent Medicine Clinic

Thirty patients aged 11 to 21 years presenting in an adolescent medicine clinic received a one-time stress management intervention. The intervention included psychoeducation on the effect stress has on the body and the positive benefits of exercise, diaphragmatic breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation. The intervention also included use of a biofeedback game to aid in relaxation. Analyses revealed an association between higher levels of internalizing symptoms and perceived stress. A clinically significant decrease in subjective distress was endorsed at post-intervention. Ninety-three percent of participants reported that the intervention was helpful and that they had the requisite knowledge to practice stress management strategies outside of the clinic. At a one-week follow-up, of the 23 participants who were able to be reached, 22 wanted to participate in additional training. Findings suggest that a one-time stress management intervention can be beneficial for patients and easily incorporated within a primary care setting.

Management practices associated with stress in cattle on western Canadian cow-calf operations: A mixed methods study.

Handling, weaning, and euthanasia are some of the most stressful practices performed on cow-calf operations. Although strategies to minimize stress exist, their use on western Canadian cow-calf operations is unknown. The objectives were to describe current stress-associated practices on western Canadian cow-calf operations, describe producer and operation demographics associated with the use of nonabrupt weaning methods, and explore producer perceptions toward these practices. A questionnaire focusing on stressful management practices was delivered to 109 cow-calf producers in western Canada. Fifteen respondents were purposively selected for individual interviews. The majority of producers reported calves less than 1 wk of age were handled by manual restraint (87%) and those older than 1 wk of age were handled using a cattle squeeze or table. Most producers performed abrupt weaning (70%). Interviewees often mentioned that cost and logistics were major factors in deciding on a weaning strategy. Pasture availability and facilities were viewed as constraints toward the adoption of a nonabrupt weaning method. Animal stress was considered, as producers expressed concern that nonabrupt weaning methods may cause increased stress because of the additional handling required. Producers conveyed that animal age was a major factor that impacted weaning stress and that improved animal performance might motivate them to adopt a nonabrupt weaning strategy. Producers also expressed reluctance to change previously successful traditional approaches. Of respondents, 13% did not euthanize cattle on farm and 8% did not confirm death. Producers interviewed reported that the decision to euthanize cattle on farm was difficult and that veterinary advice was often considered. Factors that influenced their decision to euthanize included the animal's likelihood of recovery and degree of pain and distress. Finally, producers explained that they considered whether the animal was salvageable and able to be transported. Identification of common methods of handling provides focus for future research to determine optimal handling strategies. Identified barriers to nonabrupt weaning may be addressed through research, extension, or policy to encourage the adoption of weaning methods that could improve animal welfare. Confirmation of death after euthanasia was identified as an area that needs to be addressed by producer education to minimize animal stress during on-farm euthanasia.

Perceived Sources of Stress among faculty members of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pakistan

The present study aims at exploring the perceived sources of stress among the faculty members of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pakistan by examining the stress coping methods used by faculty members for devising proposed stress management practices to faculty members. Two self-administered questionnaires were distributed among 150 randomly selected teachers from five campuses of (CIIT), Pakistan. The 1st questionnaire comprised 20-items regarding five teacher’s stressors while the second questionnaire contained 10-itmes about the individual stress copying techniques. Scores for items on stressors & stress copying techniques were computed by adding weights assigned and then an Exploratory Factor analysis was run for extracting stress contributing factors. The total teacher’s stress score ranged from 25 to 100 in which female, 25-30 years age group & single teacher had high stress scores. Total 18 items were loaded high (0.60+) on the five factors of stress after factor analysis. Majority of teachers (64%) practiced behavioral self-control, exercise and relaxation techniques for coping stress. This study does not investigate casual link between stress and stress contributing sources among teachers. The results of the study are useful both to academic world and to educational policy makers. This study is an addition to existing knowledge on university teachers’ stress in Pakistan. The awareness about stress contributing factors is vital to the university teachers in Pakistan because the problem of teachers’ stress if left unchecked can have devastating effects both on teachers as well on students.

The self-care practices of family caregivers of persons with poor prognosis cancer: differences by varying levels of caregiver well-being and preparedness.

Little is known about the impact of family caregiving for adults with poor prognosis cancer on caregivers' own individual self-care practices. We explored differences in caregivers' discrete self-care practices associated with varying levels of caregiver well-being, preparedness, and decision-making self-efficacy. Cross-sectional survey within eight community-based southeastern U.S. cancer centers was conducted. Family caregivers of Medicare beneficiaries ≥65years with pancreatic, lung, brain, ovarian, head and neck, hematologic, or stage IV cancer completed measures of individual self-care practices (health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, stress management, and sleep), well-being (anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life [HRQoL]), preparedness, and decision-making self-efficacy. Caregivers (n=294) averaged 66years, were mostly female (72.8%), white (91.2%), Protestant (76.2%), retired (54.4%), and patients' spouse/partner (60.2%). Approximately, half were rural-dwellers (46.9%) with incomes <$50,000 (53.8%). Most provided support 6-7days/week (71%) for >1year (68%). Nearly a quarter (23%) reported high depression and 34% reported borderline or high anxiety. Low engagement in all self-care practices was associated with worse caregiver anxiety, depression, and mental HRQoL (all p values<.05). Caregivers with lower health responsibility, spiritual growth, interpersonal relation, and stress management scores had lower preparedness and decision-making self-efficacy. A significant proportion of caregivers simultaneously report low engagement in all forms of self-care practices, high depression and anxiety, and low HRQoL mental health scores. Caregiver well-being, preparedness, and decision-making self-efficacy might be optimized through interventions targeted at enhancing health responsibility, stress management, interpersonal relationships, and spiritual growth self-care practices.

The role of stress mindset in shaping cognitive, emotional, and physiological responses to challenging and threatening stress

ABSTRACTBackground and objectives: Prior research suggests that altering situation-specific evaluations of stress as challenging versus threatening can improve responses to stress. The aim of the current study was to explore whether cognitive, physiological and affective stress responses can be altered independent of situation-specific evaluations by changing individuals’ mindsets about the nature of stress in general.Design: Using a 2 × 2 design, we experimentally manipulated stress mindset using multi-media film clips orienting participants (N = 113) to either the enhancing or debilitating nature of stress. We also manipulated challenge and threat evaluations by providing positive or negative feedback to participants during a social stress test.Results: Results revealed that under both threat and challenge stress evaluations, a stress-is-enhancing mindset produced sharper increases in anabolic (“growth”) hormones relative to a stress-is-debilitating mindset. Furthermore, when the stress was evaluated as a challenge, a stress-is-enhancing mindset produced sharper increases in positive affect, heightened attentional bias towards positive stimuli, and greater cognitive flexibility, whereas a stress-is-debilitating mindset produced worse cognitive and affective outcomes.Conclusions: These findings advance stress management theory and practice by demonstrating that a short manipulation designed to generate a stress-is-enhancing mindset can improve responses to both challenging and threatening stress.

Abomasal ulcers in cattle

Abomasal ulcers lead to several problems. They cause pain resulting in a decrease in productivity and even the possible loss of the animal. Because they are frequently difficult to diagnose, information on their prevalence is variable. Additionally, therapeutic options are limited. Abomasal ulcers are graded as type 1 through 4, type 1 being a superficial defect and type2 an ulcer where a large blood vessel has been eroded, leading to substantial blood loss. Types 3 and 4 are perforated abomasal ulcers leading to local and diffuse peritonitis, respectively. Causes of abomasal ulcers are multifactorial, for example, mistakes in feeding that lead to gastrointestinal disturbances or other diseases that induce stress. Ulcers can also result from side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In principal, the pathophysiological cause is the disturbance of the balance between protective and aggressive mechanisms at the abomasal mucosa due to stress. Clinical symptoms vary and are mostly non-specific. Fecal occult blood tests, hematology and blood chemistry as well as ultrasonographic examination and abdominocentesis can help to establish the diagnosis. Ulcers can be treated symptomatically, surgically and medically. To prevent abomasal ulcers, animals should be kept healthy by providing adequate nutrition and housing as well as early and effective medical care. Stressful management practices, including transport and commingling, should be avoided.

Impact of a Mindfulness-Based Weight-Loss Intervention on Sleep Quality Among Adults with Obesity: Data from the SHINE Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sleep disturbance is a common problem among adults with obesity. Mindfulness interventions have been shown to improve sleep quality in various populations but have not been investigated in adults with obesity. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a mindfulness-based weight-loss intervention with an active control on self-reported sleep quality among adults with obesity. This study was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial and included 194 adults with a body mass index in the range 30-45 kg/m2. The treatment intervention included mindfulness-based eating and stress-management practices, and the active control intervention included training in progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Both groups received identical diet and exercise guidelines in 17 group sessions conducted over 5.5 months that were matched for time, attention, and social support. The primary outcome of this analysis was between-group change in self-reported sleep quality, which was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score at baseline and at 6, 12, and 18 months. Between-group differences in mean PSQI change scores in the mindfulness group (n = 100) compared to the control group (n = 94) were -0.27 (-0.68, 1.22; p = 0.58) at 6 months, -0.57 (-0.35, 1.50; p = 0.22) at 12 months, and -0.50 (-0.53, 1.53; p = 0.34) at 18 months, all in the direction of more sleep improvement in the mindfulness group but none reaching statistical significance. In the mindfulness group, average weekly minutes of meditation practice time was associated with improved sleep quality from baseline to 6 months. No statistically significant evidence was found that a weight-loss program that incorporates mindfulness improves self-reported sleep quality compared to a control diet/exercise intervention that included PMR. Within the mindfulness group, average weekly minutes of mindfulness practice was associated with improved sleep quality.

Gaps in work readiness of graduate health professionals and impact on early practice: Possibilities for future interprofessional learning

Introduction: It is increasingly imperative to retain new graduates in order to meet the growing health workforce needs of Australia’s ageing population. Concurrently, there is a need to prepare graduates to work effectively in interprofessional teams by providing interprofessional educational opportunities at tertiary level, although which skills, knowledge and competencies should be delivered in an interprofessional context is a point of contention. Limited attention has been given to the identification of cross-professional gaps in entry-level work readiness of graduate health professionals that could subsequently be addressed to some extent by interprofessional education. Methods: Qualitative responses were collected from 88 Department of Health Western Australia employees using a survey tool with open fields. Respondents were recent graduates across a range of health professions. Responses were analysed to identify significant self-reported gaps in graduate work readiness and their impact. Results: Gaps in entry-level work readiness across multiple professions were identified. These included caseload and time management, clinical administration skills, employability, lack of experience with high-risk patients and emergencies, insufficient practicum to transform theory into practical knowledge, conflict management, and stress management and reality shock. Conclusion: The gaps identified in current graduate work readiness, across a range of health professions, should inform the focus of future interprofessional training. As such, this paper could play a role in ensuring graduates are work ready, and also provide ideas for building the interprofessional skills of the future workforce.

교대 근무 간호사의 직무스트레스가 간호업무성과에 미치는 영향에 관한 융합연구

본 연구는 교대근무 간호사의 직무스트레스가 간호업무성과에 미치는 영향을 융합적으로 규명하여 간호 업무수행 성과를 제고하여 교대근무 간호사의 직무스트레스를 효과적으로 관리할 수 있는 방안을 모색하고자 한다. 연구방법은 2015년 3월 2일부터 2015년 3월15일까지 B광역시에 소재하는 모대학병원에서 교대근무를 하고 있는 간호사를 대상으로 설문조사한 자료 244부를 SPSS 21.0 프로그램을 이용하여 분석하였다. 그 결과 직무스트레스 평균점수는 3.57점, 간호업무성과 평균점수는 3.69점이었다. 직무스트레스는 간호업무성과의 하위영역인 대인관계 업무에 유의한 양(+)의 영향을 미쳤다. 따라서 교대근무 간호사의 직무스트레스를 보다 정확히 파악하여 효율적인 간호인력 관리가 이루어질 수 있도록 노력해야 할 것이다. 아울러 간호업무성과의 지속적인 향상을 위하여 실제적인 직무스트레스관리 중재 프로그램이 마련되어 교대근무간호사의 직무스트레스가 효과적으로 관리된다면 질 높은 간호업무성과를 통한 양질의 의료서비스가 제공 될 것으로 기대된다. This study aimed to seek the way of effectively managing job stress of shift work nurses, to improve nursing performance, the influence of job stress of shift work nurses on nursing performance through convergence research. A total of 244 questionnaires obtained by a survey targeting nurses, who were doing shift work in a university hospital located in B city, in the period from March 2 to 15, 2015 were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 program. As a result, the mean score of job stress was 3.57 points, and the mean score of nursing performance was 3.69 points. Job stress made a significant positive(+) influence on the sub-dimensions of interpersonal duty. Therefore, efforts should be made to more accurately identify shift work nurses' job stress and efficiently manage the nursing personnel. Moreover, if shift work nurses' job stress is effectively managed by preparing practical job stress management intervention programs for continuous improvement of nursing performance, high quality medical services will be provided through high quality nursing practice.

Integrative Medical Care Plus Mindfulness Training for Patients With Congestive Heart Failure: Proof of Concept.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. It is often accompanied by other medical and psychosocial comorbidities that complicate treatment and adherence. We conducted a proof of concept pilot project to determine the feasibility of providing integrative group medical visits plus mindfulness training for patients recently discharged with CHF. Patients were eligible if they had been discharged from an inpatient stay for CHF within the 12 months prior to the new program. The Compassionate Approach to Lifestyle and Mind-Body (CALM) Skills for Patients with CHF consisted of 8 weekly visits focusing on patient education about medications, diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management; group support; and training in mind-body skills such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and loving-kindness. Over two 8-week sessions, 8/11 (73%) patients completed at least 4 visits. The patients had an average age of 57 years. The most common comorbidities were weight gain, sleep problems, and fatigue. After the sessions, 100% of patients planned to make changes to their diet, exercise, and stress management practices. Over half of the patients who met with a pharmacist had a medication-related problem. Improvements were observed in depression, fatigue, and satisfaction with life. Integrative group visits focusing on healthy lifestyle, support, and skill-building are feasible even among CHF patients and should be evaluated in controlled trials as a patient-centered approach to improving outcomes related to improving medication management, depression, fatigue, and quality of life.

Inteligencia emocional y adaptabilidad social en mandos gerenciales

El objetivo de la presente investigación es conocer si existe relación estadísticamente significativa entre Inteligencia Emocional (IE) y Adaptabilidad Social (AS) en trabajadores con un puesto gerencial, debido a que se ha demostrado que la IE se relaciona con el reconocimiento y regulación de las expresiones emocionales de los otros (Fernández &amp; Extremera, 2009), favorece el desarrollo de habilidades prácticas y de manejo del estrés, un mayor bienestar percibido y la mejora de la calidad de los servicios ofrecidos a los usuarios (Extremera, Durán, &amp; Rey, 2005). El presente estudio es de tipo correlacional, para el cual se tomó una muestra no probabilística intencional de 50 gerentes de sucursales de algunas de las empresas de Fresnillo, Zacatecas. Dicha muestra se evaluó mediante la aplicación simultánea de la versión Española del Trait Meta Mood Scale TMMS-24 (Fernández, Extremera, &amp; Ramos, 2004) y el Cuestionario de Adaptabilidad Social MOSS elaborado por Rudolf Moss y Berenice Moss en 1979. Los datos se analizaron con el paquete estadístico SPSS, versión 15.0, así se obtuvo el coeficiente de correlación paramétrico de Pearson. Los resultados arrojados muestran que existe una relación positiva, baja y significativa (r = .512, p = 0.05), entre la habilidad de supervisión y la atención emocional.

Using the CSM–CERES–Maize model to assess the gap between actual and potential yields of grain maize

SUMMARYMaize in Canada is grown mainly in the south-eastern part of the country. No comprehensive studies on Canadian maize yield levels have been done so far to analyse the barriers of obtaining optimal yields associated with cultivar, environmental stress and agronomic management practices. The objective of the current study was to use a modelling approach to analyse the gaps between actual and potential (determined by cultivar, solar radiation and temperature without any other stresses) maize yields in Eastern Canada. The CSM–CERES–Maize model in DSSAT v4·6 was calibrated and evaluated with measured data of seven cultivars under different nitrogen (N) rates across four sites. The model was then used to simulate grain yield levels defined as: yield potential (YP), water-limited (YW, rainfed), and water- and N-limited yields with N rates 80 kg/ha (YW, N-80N) and 160 kg/ha (YW, N-160N). The options were assessed to further increase grain yield by analysing the yield gaps related to water and N deficiencies. The CSM–CERES–Maize model simulated the grain yields in the experiments well with normalized root-mean-squared errors &lt;0·20. The model was able to capture yield variations associated with varying N rates, cultivar, soil type and inter-annual climate variability. The seven calibrated cultivars used in the experiments were divided into three grades according to their simulated YP: low, medium and high. The simulation results for the 30-year period from 1981 to 2010 showed that the average YPwas 15 000 kg/ha for cultivars with high yield potential. The YPis generally about 6000 kg/ha greater than the actual yield (YA) at each experimental site in Eastern Canada. Two-thirds of this gap between YPand YAis probably associated with water stress, as a gap of approximately 4000 kg/ha between the YWand the YPwas simulated. This gap may be reduced through crop management, such as introducing irrigation to improve the distribution of available water during the growing season. The simulated yields indicated a gap of about 3000 and 1000 kg/ha between YWand YW,N-80N for cultivars with high YPand low YP, respectively. The gap between YWand YW,N-160N decreased to &lt;2000 kg/ha for high Ypcultivars with little difference for the low Ypcultivars. The different yield gaps among cultivars suggest that cultivars with high YPrequire high N rates but cultivars with low YPmay need only low N rates.

Effects of a mindfulness-based weight loss intervention in adults with obesity: A randomized clinical trial.

ObjectiveTo determine whether adding mindfulness‐based eating and stress management practices to a diet‐exercise program improves weight loss and metabolic syndrome components.MethodsIn this study 194 adults with obesity were randomized to a 5.5‐month program with or without mindfulness training and identical diet‐exercise guidelines. Intention‐to‐treat analyses with multiple imputation were used for missing data. The primary outcome was 18‐month weight change.ResultsEstimated effects comparing the mindfulness to control arm favored the mindfulness arm in (a) weight loss at 12 months, −1.9 kg (95% CI: −4.5, 0.8; P = 0.17), and 18 months, −1.7 kg (95% CI: −4.7, 1.2; P = 0.24), though not statistically significant; (b) changes in fasting glucose at 12 months, −3.1 mg/dl (95% CI: −6.3, 0.1; P = 0.06), and 18 months, −4.1 mg/dl (95% CI: −7.3, −0.9; P = 0.01); and (c) changes in triglyceride/HDL ratio at 12 months, −0.57 (95% CI: −0.95, −0.18; P = 0.004), and 18 months, −0.36 (95% CI: −0.74, 0.03; P = 0.07). Estimates for other metabolic risk factors were not statistically significant, including waist circumference, blood pressure, and C‐reactive protein.ConclusionsMindfulness enhancements to a diet‐exercise program did not show substantial weight loss benefit but may promote long‐term improvement in some aspects of metabolic health in obesity that requires further study.

Teacher Participation In Stress Management Through Different Theoretical Lenses: A Study Conducted In The Mahikeng Area

The purpose of the research reported in this article was to place the known facts of the topic of teacher participation in stress management in the context of management and leadership in education. The emphasis in the conceptual and theoretical framework was on showing points of connection between leadership and management on the one hand and stress on the other. The investigation focused on how theoretical points of departure impact on teachers and how teachers experience stress through participation or non-participation in school management. The theoretical investigation was followed by a quantitative investigation by using a structured questionnaire known as the ASSET tool (An Organisational Stress Screening Tool) developed by Carthwright and Cooper. The main objective of the questionnaire was to measure potential exposure to stress in respect of common workplace stressors. The instrument was used to conduct a survey amongst teachers in the Mahikeng area. It was found that although there are many examples of how aspects of the different theories can be applied in the practice of stress management, the reality is that managerial leadership still features strongly in schools and that, in many instances, transformational and distributed leadership does not provide realistic alternatives to stress management theories in schools.

Neurofeedback and Biofeedback: Applications in Neuroscience

Neurofeedback and Biofeedback: Applications in Neuroscience

A case study on occupational stressors and effective stress management interventions from a call center perspective

This case study explores the realities of work stress in the Nigerian call center context and employees’ views on how effective stress management practices can improve workplace well-being. A total of 30 participants (20 call center agents and 10 team managers) employed in two different call centers took part in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted about the impact of call center working conditions on employee well-being while thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings unveiled various interpretations of how participants perceived call center stressors and the various coping strategies used in managing job stress. Furthermore, recommendations were made for call center organizations within this context to implement organizational-levelled stress management practices rather making employees indulge in individual coping abilities. Thus, the implication of study is to create a scholarly awareness on how occupational stress is perceived and interventions conceptualized in service jobs within a non-Western context where literature is rare.

Health and Stress Management and Mental-health Disability Claims.

This study examines the associations between health and stress management (HSM) practices and mental-health disability claims. Data from the Salveo study was collected during 2009-2012 within 60 workplaces nested in 37 companies located in Canada (Quebec) and insured by a large insurance company. In each company, 1 h interviews were conducted with human resources managers in order to obtain data on 63 HSM practices. Companies and workplaces were sorted into the low-claims and high-claims groups according to the median rate of the population of the insurer's corporate clients. Logistic regression adjusted for design effect and multidimensional scaling was used to analyse the data. After controlling for company size and economic sector, task design, demands control, gratifications, physical activity and work-family balance were associated with low mental-health disability claims rates. Further analyses revealed three company profiles that were qualified as laissez-faire, integrated and partially integrated approaches to HSM. Of the three, the integrated profile was associated with low mental-health disability claims rates. The results of this study provide evidence-based guidance for a better control of mental-health disability claims. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

From law to folklore: work stress and the Yerkes-Dodson Law

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine how a speculative animal behaviour modification experiment conducted over 100 years ago evolved into a scientific law of human behaviour that is now widely cited in managerial psychology texts and journals. The paper considers the implications of this evolution for the theory and practice of work stress management in particular, and managerial psychology in general.Design/methodology/approach– Using insights from social constructivist studies of science the empirical evidence supporting the Yerkes-Dodson Law (YDL) is examined and found wanting. The role played by the simple graphical representation of the YDL in its popularisation is considered.Findings– Analysis reveals that the YDL has no basis in empirical fact but continues to inform managerial practices which seek to increase or maintain, rather than minimise, levels of stress in the workplace as a means to enhance employee performance.Practical implications– Practitioners should not seek to increase performance through the manipulation of employee stress levels.Originality/value– The paper brings attention to the potentially harmful ways the publication of long-discredited models of stress and performance can influence management practice.

Managing stress

Purpose– Given the parallel processes of stress development and organisational changes towards increased managerialism, the purpose of this paper is to understand the way in which employees’ stress is perceived and managed in female- and male-dominated sectors, characterised by new management-oriented steering methods.Design/methodology/approach– The paper is based on a thematic analysis of interviews with managers and employees at one Swedish female-dominated work setting and one male-dominated work setting. The paper offers an analysis of how managerial approaches to stress mediate the ways in which employees may come to govern their own subjectivity through stress-management practices. Drawing upon Foucault’s and Rose’s work on governmentality and freedom, these practices are understood as implicated in the everyday exercise of power over the self.Findings– The main finding is that a logic emphasising proactivity was more prevalent at the female-dominated workplace, while a logic emphasising trust was most prevalent at the male-dominated workplace. Both logics perceive self-management and self-realisation as ways to manage stress, but in the proactive regime, self-management and self-realisation tend to turn into new modes of exploitation. Approaches to stress management in the proactive regime in fact seem to further diminish levels of discretion and control, which, according to previous research, are typically already low in female-dominated work.Practical implications– Based on these findings, the study argues for the importance of combining a self-managerial approach with trust in order to avoid turning the individualisation of work into a source of stress at female-dominated workplaces.Originality/value– The paper contributes to a more complex understanding of women’s work stress by highlighting its interconnection with a proactive stress management regime.

Meditation Lowers Stress and Supports Forgiveness Among nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled study

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of meditation lowers stress and supports forgiveness among nursing Students.Participants and setting: The study was conducted by adopting a Quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group pre and post test design.50 nursing students who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected by using Non-probability purposive sampling technique. 50 women were assigned in experimental and control group. The study was conducted in Bhavana College of nursing, Nalgonda, Telugana, India.Intervention: A brief introduction about self and study was given to the nursing students and consent was obtained (both oral and written) and the confidentiality of the response was assured. Pre assessment was done in both experimental and control groups. In the experimental group meditation technique was practiced by the women and pre and post test level of stress was obtained using John D. Catherine &amp; T. Mac Arthurs perceived stress scale. In the control group without any intervention, the pre and post test level of stress was obtained for both the groups and the level of stress was assessed.Measurement and findings: Analysis revealed that the women in the experimental group showed a highly significant decrease in the level of stress following meditation at P&lt;0.001 level when compared with the control group.Conclusion: Evidence suggests that meditation-based stress-management practices reduce stress and enhance forgiveness among college undergraduates. Such programs merit further study as potential health-promotion tools for college populations.