Evaluation of a work site relaxation training program using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

The rising physical, emotional, and economic costs of excess stress in occupational settings have resulted in a proliferation of many work site stress management programs. These programs have attempted to effect reductions in workers' stress by applying standard psychological interventions (ie, muscle relaxation and meditation) to the general work force. The benefits of these interventions for asymptomatic employee populations remain to be established. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the physical and psychologic effects of an occupational stress management program for asymptomatic hazardous waste workers (N = 66). Both laboratory and ambulatory blood pressure (at home and at work) were monitored, and self-reported psychologic symptoms were measured. The results indicate that the stress management techniques decreased the diastolic blood pressure variability of asymptomatic workers (P less than .001); however, unlike previous studies, no reductions in laboratory blood pressures nor in psychologic symptoms were found. The efficacy of the procedures for asymptomatic employees is questioned and suggestions are made for future research.