Effect of an Integrated Stress Management program on the Stress Symptoms on the Stress Symptoms, Progressive Muscle Relaxation Method

Han, Kuem Sun

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to identify the effects of integrated stress management program on the stress symptoms of psychophysiological patients, especially patients with peptic ulcer. The study employed a quasi -experimental design using two different experiential groups. The samples in the integrated stress management program participated in autogenic training with biofeedback, discussions on effective coping method, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional management. They were also provided with an educational booklet on stress management and an tape on progressive muscle relaxation. Exch session lasted one hour and the program consisted of seven sessions over four weeks. The other group was only given an tape on progressive muscle relaxation. The data were collected from May 20 to september 25, 1996 A total 47 patients from ore university hospital located in Seoul participated, experiment group 1 (integrated stress management training) had 23 subjects and experiment group 2(progressive muscle relaxation training) had 24 subjects. The effects of these programs were measured by the stress symptom scale developed by Kogan(1991) which was translated by Lee(1892) and the healing status of the ulcer evaluated by a physician The data were analyzed using Chi-square test, t-test, ANOVA, repeated measure ANOVA. The result are as follows : 1. The integrated stress management group reported a significantly lower stress symptom score than the group given the progressive muscle relaxation only. 2. The integrated stress management group showed a significantly improved ulcer status as compared to the group given a progressive muscle relaxation only. In conclusion, it was found that the integrated stress management program was more effective in decreasing self-reported stress and physiological symptoms among patients with peptic ulcer as compared to the progressive muscle relaxation group. Based on this finding, the following suggestions can be made. 1. It is necessary to broaden the scope of nursing Practice for psychophysiological patients so nurses can include stress management as part of Patient care. 2. It is necessary to develop stress management Program for other patients whose symptoms are know to be related to stress. 3. It is necessary to replicated this study with a larger sample in different settings.