Positive Health Online

Abstract

TELLO-BERNABE and colleagues, Centro de Salud El Naranjo, Fuenlabrada, Madrid Spain evaluated the impact of group relaxation upon women suffering distress and general anxiety disorders.

Background

Methodology

32 women aged between 25 and 55 were assigned (nonrandomly) to either intervention or control group. The intervention group were trained in group techniques and relaxation. Anxiety was evaluated with the STAI state-characteristic test, prior to and following intervention for both groups. A qualitative evaluation was also made using discussion groups.

Results

At the outset of the study, the intervention and control groups were homogeneous with respect to all variables. Compared to the control group who scored in the post-test a mean of 33.3 +/- 13.17, the anxiety-state post-test mean of the study group was 22.96 +/- 13.3, representing a significant difference. Compared to the control groups post-test mean of anxiety characteristic 35.26 +/- 9.84, the study groups mean post-test anxiety characteristic was 28.62 +/- 12.28, again statistically significant.

Conclusion

This type of intervention is effective in reducing temporary anxiety and improves an inbuilt tendency to react with anxiety . These groups provide a qualitative improvement in self-esteem and in the network of the womens relationships.

References

Tello-Bernabe ME et al. Group techniques and relaxation in the treatment of several subtypes of anxiety: a non-randomized controlled trial. Aten Primaria 19(2): 67-71. Feb 15 1997 .