This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) on depression, anxiety, stress, future attitude, and biopsychosocial responses among nursing students. The study will be conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayis University. Data collection will take place between January and March 2025. A total of 104 students will be randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data will be collected using the DASS-21, Future Orientation Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students.
Nursing students often face academic stress, emotional demands, and clinical responsibilities, which may lead to psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, stress, and concerns about their future. These problems can affect both their well-being and professional competence. Progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) are considered a beneficial method for reducing muscle tension, managing stress, and improving emotional regulation. This randomized controlled trial is being conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayis University. The data collection phase is scheduled from January to March 2025. A total of 104 nursing students will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving PMRE) or a control group. A pretest-posttest design will be used. Measurement instruments include the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Future Orientation Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students. This study is supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), under the 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
104
The intervention was based on Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) technique. Participants in the experimental group practiced PMR three times per week for four weeks. Each session lasted approximately 45 minutes and was conducted in a quiet environment. In the first session, the researcher provided face-to-face instruction. Subsequent sessions were guided by standardized audio recordings, and the participants were followed through scheduled online video calls. The intervention aimed to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and to promote biopsychosocial well-being in nursing students.
Ondokuz Mayıs University
Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in depression, anxiety, and stress levels measured by DASS-21
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) will be used to assess changes in psychological symptoms. It consists of three subscales measuring depression, anxiety, and stress. The scale will be administered at baseline (pre-test) and after the 4-week intervention (post-test).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Change in future orientation levels measured by the Future Orientation Scale
The Future Orientation Scale will be used to evaluate students' attitudes toward the future, including goal-setting, planning, and optimism. The scale will be administered before and after the intervention to detect changes.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Change in biopsychosocial response levels measured by the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students
This scale measures students' emotional, physical, and social stress-related symptoms. It will be administered at baseline and after the intervention to assess changes in biopsychosocial well-being.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
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