Evangelia K Sioula1, Xanthi Tigani1, Artemios K Artemiadis1,2, Dimitrios Vlachakis3,4, George P Chrousos1,5, Christina Darviri1, Evangelos C Alexopoulos1,6. 1. Postgraduate Course Stress Management and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou Str., 11527, Athens, Greece. 2. Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, 2029, Cyprus. 3. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece. 4. Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food, Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855, Athens, Greece. 5. First Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Aghia Sofia, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 1 Thivon Str., 11527, Athens, Greece. 6. Occupational Health Department, Metropolitan General Hospital, 15562 Athens, Greece.
Abstract
AIM: The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the sort-term benefits of the effects of an 8-week stress management techniques in information technology professionals. METHODS: In this parallel randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly assigned to either the stress management group (n=40; relaxation breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery) or in the Pythagorean Self awareness group (n=41). Self-reported validated measures were used to evaluate perceived stress, health locus of control, anxiety and depression. RESULTS: All groups were found with significantly better cognitive speed and verbal memory at the end of the follow-up. Taking into account the group by time interaction coefficients, PSAT was found significantly superior to standard SM with regards to depression, emotional intelligence, lifestyle and personal control and verbal memory suggesting that verbal memory improvement through time should be mostly attributed to PSAT. On the other hand, the cognitive speed improvement during follow-up should be attributed to both interventions. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide important insight into the role of stress management. Future studies should focus on randomized, controlled trials with larger samples and longer follow-up times.
AIM: The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the sort-term benefits of the effects of an 8-week stress management techniques in information technology professionals. METHODS: In this parallel randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly assigned to either the stress management group (n=40; relaxation breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery) or in the Pythagorean Self awareness group (n=41). Self-reported validated measures were used to evaluate perceived stress, health locus of control, anxiety and depression. RESULTS: All groups were found with significantly better cognitive speed and verbal memory at the end of the follow-up. Taking into account the group by time interaction coefficients, PSAT was found significantly superior to standard SM with regards to depression, emotional intelligence, lifestyle and personal control and verbal memory suggesting that verbal memory improvement through time should be mostly attributed to PSAT. On the other hand, the cognitive speed improvement during follow-up should be attributed to both interventions. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide important insight into the role of stress management. Future studies should focus on randomized, controlled trials with larger samples and longer follow-up times.
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