Adaptation, Psychological, Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health, Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise, Progressive Relaxation Exercise, Psychophysiologic Disorders, Relaxation Therapy, Stress, Psychological, Students, Nursing
Conditions
Keywords
Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Psychological Intervention, Nursing Students, Mental Health Promotion, Stress Management, Depression, Anxiety, Psychological Stress, Biopsychosocial Response, Future Orientation, University Students, Randomized Controlled Trial, Relaxation Techniques, progressive relaxation exercise
Brief summary
This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) on depression, anxiety, stress, future-oriented attitudes, and biopsychosocial responses in nursing students. The study was conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 with students enrolled in the Nursing Department. Data collection took place between January and March 2025. When selecting participants, a list of participants meeting the inclusion criteria was created using snowball sampling. A total of 104 students were randomly divided into experimental and control groups of 52 students each. Data were collected using the DASS-21, Future Orientation Scale, and Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students.
Detailed description
Nursing students often face academic stress, emotional demands and clinical responsibilities, which can lead to psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, stress and concerns about their future. These issues can affect both their well-being and professional competence. Progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) are recognised as a useful method for reducing muscle tension, managing stress, and improving emotional regulation. This randomised controlled trial was conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 with students studying Nursing. The data collection phase was carried out between January and March 2025. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were identified using snowball sampling, and a list was created. A total of 104 nursing students on this list were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (receiving PMRE) or a control group, with 52 participants in each group. A pre-test-post-test design was used. Measurement tools included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Future Orientation Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students. This study was supported by the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK) under the 2209-A University Student Research Projects Support Programme.
Interventions
OTHERProgressive relaxation exercise
The intervention was based on Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) technique. Participants in the experimental group practiced PMR three times per week for four weeks. Each session lasted approximately 45 minutes and was conducted in a quiet environment. In the first session, the researcher provided face-to-face instruction. Subsequent sessions were guided by standardized audio recordings, and the participants were followed through scheduled online video calls. The intervention aimed to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and to promote biopsychosocial well-being in nursing students.
Sponsors
Ondokuz Mayıs University
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Participants were blinded to their group allocation during the intervention process. The outcome assessor (statistician) was also blinded to group assignment during data analysis to reduce bias.
Intervention model description
This study used a two-arm, parallel assignment design. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which received progressive muscle relaxation exercises, or the control group, which received no intervention. A pretest-posttest design was used to assess outcomes.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Being registered in the Department of Nursing * Voluntary consent to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria
* Having joint or muscle pain, or any condition that may interfere with performing relaxation exercises * Having a diagnosis of cancer or any chronic disease * Having a psychiatric disorder that may interfere with obtaining valid results from the study (e.g., major depressive disorder, severe anxiety disorders, serious psychiatric conditions) * Currently receiving antidepressant, anxiolytic, or similar psychiatric treatment * Regular use of non-pharmacological methods such as yoga, psychotherapy, or similar practices
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in depression, anxiety, and stress levels measured by DASS-21 | Baseline and Week 4 | The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) will be used to assess changes in psychological symptoms. It consists of three subscales measuring depression, anxiety, and stress. The scale will be administered at baseline (pre-test) and after the 4-week intervention (post-test). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in future orientation levels measured by the Future Orientation Scale | Baseline and Week 4 | The Future Orientation Scale will be used to evaluate students' attitudes toward the future, including goal-setting, planning, and optimism. The scale will be administered before and after the intervention to detect changes. |
| Change in biopsychosocial response levels measured by the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students | Baseline and Week 4 | This scale measures students' emotional, physical, and social stress-related symptoms. It will be administered at baseline and after the intervention to assess changes in biopsychosocial well-being. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed