Stress management in rehabilitation

Chronic disability, especially of an acquired nature, is a stressor which requires significant adjustment and adaptation. This ongoing demand for change represents an additional source of stress for disabled as as compared with nondisabled individuals. In response to this need, a stress management program was established for groups of outpatients at an adult rehabilitation center. The program consists of eight 2-hour sessions and is delivered within a psychoeducational context. The present study evaluates the efficacy of the program, based upon a series of six groups. A total of 40 participants, comprised primarily of patients with chronic pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and multiple sclerosis, were assessed on psychometric and psychophysiologic measures both before and after the program. Results indicated a significant decrease at posttest in state anxiety, as well as a significant decrease on a measure of somatization, suggesting less preoccupation with physical symptoms following completion of the training. These findings suggest that rehabilitation patients can profit from self-control techniques taught in a stress management program. Since anxiety can negatively influence the course of many disabilities, the benefits accrued from stress management skills may have generalized effects.