Positive Health Online

Abstract

RATANASIRIPONG and COLLEAGUES, Thailand, studied the effect of biofeedback and mindfulness meditation upon state anxiety and stress in Thai nursing students.

Background

The current study investigated the efficacy of two brief intervention programs-biofeedback and mindfulness meditation-on levels of state anxiety and perceived stress in second-year Thai nursing students as they began clinical training.

Methodology

Eighty-nine participants from a public nursing college in Thailand were randomly assigned to one of three groups: biofeedback group, mindfulness meditation group, or a control group. All participants were given pre- and postintervention surveys, which included demographic information; the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (State Anxiety Scale); and the Perceived Stress Scale.

Results

Findings indicated that biofeedback significantly reduced anxiety and maintained stress levels in nursing students. Mindfulness meditation similarly decreased anxiety levels, while also significantly lowering stress levels. The biofeedback group exhibited significant reduction in anxiety levels among the three groups at postintervention.

Conclusion

Despite stressors and demands nursing students experience as they begin clinical practice, study findings support the use of biofeedback and mindfulness meditation interventions to assist nursing students in managing stress and anxiety.

References

Ratanasiripong P, Park JF, Ratanasiripong N, Kathalae D. Stress and Anxiety Management in Nursing Students: Biofeedback and Mindfulness Meditation. J Nurs Educ.54(9):520-4. Sep 2015. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20150814-07.