Mentor
Gadd, Holly
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
Objective: Anxiety and stress are debilitating disorders that have been on the rise in recent years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Medication alone has not been shown to be successful in mitigating the disorders, necessitating research into other alternatives for anxiety and stress management. The purpose of this project was to assess if a single complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) relaxation session had an impact on stress and anxiety levels. Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify strategies for reducing stress and anxiety. Guided by the Holistic Care Model of Self-Regulation, the nurse-led CAM relaxation session was developed. The project consisted of pre- and post-inventories that assessed how each participant felt “right now” regarding anxiety and stress. The Smith Relaxation States Inventory 3 (SRSI3) was used to assess how often each participant felt anxious or stressed on a regular basis prior to the study. Vital sign readings were done pre and post intervention to assess if a physiological change was noted. Intervention: Patients at an inpatient mental health facility were led through physical stretches and controlled breathing exercises. Results: The findings indicated a significant improvement in relaxation scores following the CAM intervention. Qualitative feedback from the optional survey highlighted the positive impact CAM therapies can have on stress and anxiety for inpatients at a mental health facility. Conclusion: This DNP project demonstrates the effectiveness of nurse-led, nonpharmacologic interventions for reducing stress and anxiety in mental health patients. The findings suggest that teaching coping skills can result in better outcomes for patients during inpatient stays at psychiatric facilities.
Keywords: CAM therapy, stress, anxiety, relaxation, Smith Relaxation States Inventory 3, Smith Relaxation States Inventory 3d, inpatient mental health facility
Recommended Citation
Killingsworth, Kristen, "The effects of controlled breathing and physical postures on anxiety and stress in mental health patients" (2024). DNP Research Projects. 57.
https://knowledge.e.southern.edu/dnp/57
Included in
Behavioral Medicine Commons, Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Preventive Medicine Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons, Psychiatry Commons, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Commons
