New Stress Management Program Enhances Emotional Well-Being in Seniors
Recent research conducted by a Canadian team has unveiled promising results regarding stress management among seniors. The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, involved 170 participants with an average age of 76 and focused on a six-week program named O'stress, designed to promote emotional health.
The findings indicated that participants of the O'stress program exhibited improved coping strategies and experienced reduced anxiety levels three weeks post-completion. Additionally, their diurnal cortisol levels--an important measure of chronic stress--were significantly lower compared to those who did not participate in the program.
O'stress is derived from an earlier initiative called DeStress for Success, developed by the Centre for Studies on Human Stress. This original program was aimed at assisting adolescents in navigating the pressures of high school. A previous study led by the Centre's director, Sonia Lupien, demonstrated that DeStress for Success effectively lowered cortisol levels and alleviated depressive symptoms in teenagers facing emotional challenges at the school year's onset.
Since its inception, DeStress for Success has been tailored for various demographics, including youths at risk of behavioral issues and individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The latest adaptation targets the unique needs of the senior population.
Marie-Josée Richer, who developed the O'stress program under the guidance of Professors Pierrich Plusquellec and Sébastien Grenier from Université de Montréal, emphasizes the vulnerability of seniors to chronic stress. Aging, akin to adolescence, presents distinct challenges that can heighten emotional susceptibility.
The O'stress program addresses critical aspects such as aging dynamics, social interactions, and emotional contagion--the phenomenon of absorbing the emotions of others, which can exacerbate psychological distress in older adults. The incorporation of an educational component on emotional contagion equips participants with the tools to recognize and manage these emotional influences in their daily lives.
Participants engage in small-group workshops aimed at identifying stress symptoms and channeling their energy through activities like dancing to classic songs. They also assess their social networks to pinpoint sources of support and emotional pressure, fostering problem-solving skills to enhance their resilience.
The success of the O'stress program underscores the potential of brief, accessible interventions to mitigate the adverse impacts of chronic stress in older adults. By simplifying the concept of stress and imparting practical coping techniques, the program empowers participants to bolster their emotional resilience and overall well-being.
The research team is optimistic about expanding the O'stress program and assessing its effectiveness across various contexts and populations. Their efforts may inspire similar initiatives in the fields of mental health and aging.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!