Effectiveness of a stress management program to enhance perimenopausal women's ability to cope with stress

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a stress management program to enhance the ability to cope with stress in perimenopausal women.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental design, a stress management program was provided to an experimental group (n = 55), while a control group (n = 42) was given an informational pamphlet. The stress management program included a short lecture, group discussion, and hands-on training in 2 h sessions once a week for 3 weeks. Participants were recruited through a public announcement. Data were collected before and after the intervention, and 1 month following the intervention. The ability to cope with stress was the primary outcome, while psychological well-being and relief of symptoms were the secondary outcomes. The primary purpose of this program is to enhance the ability to cope with stress. Therefore, the aspects of knowledge, coping flexibility, and manageability were measured in the resultant ability to cope with stress.

Results: Compared to the control group, knowledge in the experimental group improved positively as the primary outcome (P < 0.01). Changes in coping flexibility were demonstrated within the experimental group (P < 0.05). A comparison between groups for the secondary outcome of psychological well-being showed that personal growth (P < 0.05) and happiness (P < 0.01) significantly improved in the experimental group. In addition, the secondary outcome of relief of symptoms indicated not improved.

Conclusion: Results suggest that the stress management program has the potential to boost perimenopausal women's ability to cope with stress and improve their psychological well-being.

Keywords: care program; perimenopause; quasi-experimental design; stress coping; stress management.