COMPARISON OF PROGRESSIVE MUSCULAR RELAXATION (PMR) AND MUSIC THERAPY (MT) IN REDUCING THE ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND STRESS SYMPTOMS AMONG NURSES

Abstract

Objective: To compare the progressive muscular relaxation and music therapy in reducing the anxiety, depression and stress symptoms among nurses.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental Study.

Place and Duration of Study: Various hospitals in Rawalpindi, from Mar 2018 to Mar 2019.

Methodology: Sample of study was 20 female nurses. They were assessed by using depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS21), Urdu version. Study participants were randomized into two groups, group 1= who received the music therapy (n=10); group 2=who receive progressive muscular relaxation (n=10). Both the groups were provided with 4 sessions of both interventions for one month. After completion of intervention, post assessment was carried immediately and analysis was carried out.

Results: Mean age of nurses was 31 ± 7.42 years (range from 19-45 years). Significant difference was found which showed that progressive muscular relaxation was more effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and stress as compared to music therapy. Whereas, no significant difference (p>0.05) was found on anxiety (both the treatments equally reduced the anxiety).

Conclusion: Progressive muscular relaxation was found to be more effective in reducing stress and depression in nurses than music therapy. The use of such techniques can serve as an additional therapy in the treatment of stress, anxiety and depression and can be used to reduce the need for pharmacological therapy.