Evaluation and Estimation of the Effect on the Psycho-physiological Relaxation of Nursing Students by the Quantification of the Salivary Cortisol Levels

Abstract

　For the purpose of examining the relaxation effects of a Progressive Muscle Relaxation Method following a stressful trigger event, salivary cortisol levels were measured in two groups of subjects: a control group resting after being stressed （resting group）, and an experimental group receiving the Progressive Relaxation Method （relaxation group）. In addition, the Two Dimensional Mood Scale was used as a subjective measure. Subjects were 10 healthy females, divided evenly into the resting and relaxation groups. The measurements were conducted with both groups simultaneously.

　Results showed that while the salivary cortisol levels of the relaxation group were significantly lower immediately after the experimental intervention as well as 10 minutes later compared to those immediately after the trigger, the salivary cortisol levels of the resting group were significantly lower only immediately after the rest period intervention. Results of the subjective mood evaluation showed that, compared to the resting group, the tense arousal levels of the experimental relaxation intervention group were significantly lower and their levels of hedonic tone were significantly higher immediately following intervention.

　This study generated preliminary findings for the development of a specific educational intervention aimed at enhancing the self-regulatory abilities of nursing students. The progressive muscle relaxation method may be an effective means to help relieve stress for nursing students.