TITLE:
An 8-Week Stress Management Program for Older Women: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
AUTHORS:
Foteini Papageorgiou, Liza Varvogli, Theodora Oikonomidi, George P. Chrousos, Christina Darviri
KEYWORDS:
Depression, Older Women, Relaxation, Stress, Aging
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.7 No.6,
June
16,
2016
ABSTRACT:
Stress can significantly impair the health
of older people, who often face a combination of stressors unique to this age
group. This study is a stress management and lifestyle change intervention for
women 60 years and older. The participants were randomly assigned to either the
intervention group or the control group. The 8-week intervention plan included
training in progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery, abdominal
breathing training using biofeedback, physical activity and nutrition counseling,
and cognitive restructuring training. Self-report validated measures were used
to evaluate perceived stress, depression, health locus of control, and
well-being. The intervention group experienced significantly greater reduction
in perceived stress (p p p