Feasibility Study of a Stress Reducing Self-Regulation Intervention in School Aged Children of Low Socioeconomic Status
Loading...
Authors
Hlavacek, Patrick R.
Issue Date
2011
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Progressive muscle relaxation's (PMR) and diaphragm breathing's stress reducing effects
were examined for children of low socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic status (SES)
and stress have been linked to health disparities in adults. Stress during critical periods of
development may cause adverse health effects later in life in addition to disruptions to
cognitive development. Children of low SES were studied in an academic classroom
setting. At week one, all groups reported similar levels of perceived stress. As each week
progressed, the group exposed to both protocols became increasingly less stressed
compared to the non participating group. Children who participated in PMR and
diaphragm breathing protocols had lower levels of perceived and actual stress each
subsequent week starting from week one. Children who did not participate in both
protocols maintained similar levels of perceived stress throughout the study. These
findings suggest that more alternative programs need to be implemented to reduce stress
in school for children of low socioeconomic status. In addition, further research is needed
to indicate whether the reduction of stress by way of self-regulation will improve health
outcomes for high risk and vulnerable populations. The amelioration of health disparities
may be possible through the reduction of stress by the implementation of self-regulation
techniques within schools.
Description
v, 38 p.
Citation
Publisher
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.