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Stress management in rehabilitation
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|June 1, 1986
Summary
This study found that a stress management program significantly reduced anxiety and somatization in patients with chronic disabilities. These findings suggest that stress management skills can benefit rehabilitation patients.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Psychology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Chronic disability presents unique stressors requiring significant adaptation.
- Ongoing demands of disability increase stress levels for affected individuals.
- Adult rehabilitation centers serve patients with diverse chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a psychoeducational stress management program.
- To assess the impact of the program on psychometric and psychophysiologic measures.
- To determine if stress management techniques benefit rehabilitation patients.
Main Methods:
- An eight-session, 2-hour psychoeducational stress management program was implemented.
- Participants included outpatients with chronic pain, COPD, and multiple sclerosis.
- Psychometric and psychophysiologic measures were taken pre- and post-program.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in state anxiety were observed post-program.
- A significant decrease in somatization scores indicated reduced preoccupation with physical symptoms.
- The program demonstrated positive effects on participants' psychological well-being.
Conclusions:
- Rehabilitation patients can benefit from self-control techniques taught in stress management programs.
- Stress management skills may have generalized positive effects on disability management.
- Reducing anxiety through stress management can positively influence the course of chronic disabilities.