A Comparative Study of Differential Treatments in the Management of Stress with Implications for Education and Training (Massage Therapy, Cognitive Treatments, Physiological, Restricted, Psychological, Environment Stimulation).

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of three stress management treatments using a pre-test post-test three group treatment design. A sample of sixty-six men and women between 21-45 years of age were r and omly assigned to three treatment groups each lasting six weeks: (1) Massage Therapy Group (N = 24) which participated in a massage regimen twice a week, one hour each time; (2) a Restricted Environmental Stimulation Treatment Group (N = 20) which floated in an isolation chamber twice a week, one hour each time; and (3) a Stress Management Group (N = 22) which met once a week for two hours. Pre-test scores of a Comparison Group (N = 30) of students provided baseline comparative pre-test data. Treatment effectiveness was determined by measurement of physiological and psychological dependent variables. The physiological variables measured were muscle tension, skin temperature, skin resistance, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart-rate. Psychological variables were measured using the Jenkins Activity Survey and Physical and Emotional Symptoms of Stress. Biofeedback measures were taken at 2 1/2 minute intervals during relaxation, arousal and recovery phases of a psychophysiological profile. Psychological measures were used to identify changes in Type A behavior and physical and emotional symptoms of stress. Data were analyzed using t-tests, ANCOVA and Repeated Measures ANOVA. The Massage Group showed significant reductions (p < .05) on the physiological measures of muscular tension and skin resistance and the psychological measures of Type A behavior and physical and emotional symptoms of stress. The Flotation Group showed significant reductions on physical symptoms of stress. The Stress Management Group showed significant reductions on Type A Behavior and physical symptoms of stress. No significant overall differences were found between the three groups on either physiological or psychological variables. Results indicate that each group showed impact on both physiological and psychological measures of stress. The Massage Group appeared to be the most effective method of altering the largest number of symptoms of stress.