Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- . Sreevani Rentala
- . Sunanda Govinder Thimmajja
- . Swanand Dattatraya Tilekar 1
- . Raghavendra Bheemappa Nayak 2
- . Rajashree Aladakatti 3
1 Department of Biostatistics, Indian Red Cross Society Bel‑Air College of Nursing, Panchgani, Maharastra, India
2 Departments of Nursing and Psychiatry, Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences,
3 Department of Nursing, Shreya College of Nursing, Dharwad, Karnataka
Abstract
CONTEXT: Academic stress among adolescents is a significant contributor to a variety of mental
and behavioral disorders. Holistic stress management interventions equip adolescents with good
mental health and improve academic performance.
AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of holistic group‑based stress management
program in reducing academic stress, depression, anxiety, and improving well‑being among
adolescent girls.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Randomized control trial was adopted and the study was conducted at
selected colleges of Dharwad city, Karnataka, India.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and thirty adolescent girls were randomly selected
and assigned to either experimental (n = 115) or control group (n = 115). Both group participants
were initially assessed for academic stress, depression, anxiety, general stress, and well‑being.
The experimental group participants participated in eight sessions of holistic group‑based stress
management program over a period of 1 month. The intervention comprises of body–mind–spirit
strategies focusing on techniques to handle stressful situations, accept responsibility for their own
well‑being, and take charge of self‑health. Control group participants did not receive any intervention.
Postintervention assessments were conducted for all the participants on monthly intervals for 6
months.
RESULTS: Over 6 months follow‑up compared to control group, the experimental group participants
showed statistically significant decrease in academic stress (F = 131.60, P < 0.01, n2
G = 0.14),
depression (F = 156.70, P < 0.01, n2
G = 0.13), anxiety (F = 190.50, P < 0.01, n2
G = 0.16), general
stress (F = 166.10, P < 0.01, n2
G = 0.16), and improvement in well‑being (F = 156.40, P < 0.01,
n2
G = 0.13).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that holistic stress management program has a positive
effect on reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and improving well‑being.
Keywords
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