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Evaluation of a stress management course in adult education centres in rural Australia
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Evaluation of a stress management course in adult education centres in rural Australia

K M Hawkins, Prasuna Reddy and S Bunker
Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.15(2), pp.107-113
2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1584.2007.00862.x
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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1584.2007.00862.xView
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Abstract

anxiety depression mental health psychology stress
Objective: To investigate whether attending a six-week stress management course in a rural adult education centre is effective in reducing participants' levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Design: Repeated measures design using self-report measures of stress, anxiety and depression at commencement and completion of a six-week stress management course, and six months post-completion follow up. Setting and participants: One hundred and thirty-two adults (age range 18-73 years) living in a rural community who self-enrolled in the stress management course at adult education centres. Intervention: The course consisted of six weekly group sessions. Each two-hour session conducted by mental health professionals, included teaching cognitive behavioural strategies targeted at reducing individual symptoms of stress. Main outcome measures: Comparative analysis of pre- and post-test and six-month follow up on measures of stress (Stress Symptom Checklist), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Results: Results indicated a significant reduction in stress symptoms (F(7,90) = 34.92, P < 0.001), anxiety and depression (F(3,95) = 87.92, P < 0.001) from course commencement to course completion. These improvements were sustained six months after course completion for stress symptoms (F(11,65) = 22.40, P < 0.001), anxiety and depression (F(5,73) = 41.78, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the stress management course is an effective community intervention in a rural community. Challenges for future implementation of the program are discussed.

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