Effectiveness of a stress management program in smoking cessation. Randomized control trial

Although smoking habit remains a public health issue, current therapies for smoking cessation are not very effective. Stress can be a critical factor for inefficient results. A non-blind randomized control trial was designed to examine if a stress management program, as a complementary therapy, can increase smoking cessation rates. 49 individuals participated in the research (26 interventions and 23 controls). Participants received medication or/and medical counseling. In the intervention arm an 8 week stress management program was given, including: progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and autogenic training, with lifestyle instructions. Measurements included: a Daily Routine, Lifestyle and Health Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Health Locus of Control Scale (HLC), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence and Salivary Cortisol. Both groups resulted in a statistically significant reduction in daily cigarettes and nicotine dependence. The intervention’s group smoking rates were higher than the control’s group (77% and 43% respectively). Additionally, the interventions had a significant reduction in PSS score (p