An 8-Week Stress Management Program for Older Women: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Stress can significantly impair the health of older people, who often face a combination of stressors unique to this age group. This study is a stress management and lifestyle change intervention for women 60 years and older. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The 8-week intervention plan included training in progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery, abdominal breathing training using biofeedback, physical activity and nutrition counseling, and cognitive restructuring training. Self-report validated measures were used to evaluate perceived stress, depression, health locus of control, and well-being. The intervention group experienced significantly greater reduction in perceived stress (p p p