The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on stress, anxiety, and depression in adolescents: A quasi-experimental design.

BACKGROUND

Mental problems that may lead to many adverse health outcomes are increasing among adolescents. Interventions are needed to prevent mental problems in adolescents.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to assess the effect of progressive muscle relaxation in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression levels in adolescents.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

A quasi-experimental design was performed. The study population consisted of 12th-grade students studying in two high schools in Turkiye. Adolescents were allocated to intervention and control groups in a ratio of 1:2, considering their preferences. A total of 88 students (intervention = 31; control = 57) completed the study. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42) were used to collect the data. Online progressive muscle relaxation was implemented in the intervention group over eight weeks.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding stress, anxiety, and depression pre-test mean scores. The correction of DASS-42 pre-test mean scores was performed by covariance analysis. There was a statistically significant difference in the post-test stress, anxiety, and depression mean scores of the adolescents in the intervention group according to the corrected DASS-42 pre-test mean scores.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that progressive muscle relaxation reduced stress, anxiety, and depression in adolescents.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: School nurses could implement progressive muscle relaxation to support adolescents in managing stress, anxiety, and depression.