Effect of a Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management Psychoeducation Program in Nursing Students

The Effect of a Cognitive-Behavioral Approach-Based Stress Management Psychoeducation Program on Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptom Levels in Nursing Students

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a cognitive-behavioral approach-based stress management psychoeducation program on the depression, anxiety, and stress levels of nursing students. The study was conducted with undergraduate nursing students studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university. Students in the experimental group received a structured stress management psychoeducation program based on the cognitive-behavioral approach. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected three times using self-report questionnaires: before, after, and three months after the intervention.

This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of a Cognitive Behavioral Approach-Based Stress Management Psychoeducation Program in undergraduate nursing students. This research was carried out using a randomized controlled experimental design with pre-test-post-test-follow-up measurements.

The Stress Management Psychoeducation Program was developed based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and focused on stress awareness, cognitive restructuring, coping strategies, problem-solving skills, leisure activities, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. The program was presented by the researcher in group sessions. Three separate groups were formed, each consisting of 15 people. The training program consisted of 7 sessions, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. Data were collected at three time points using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21): before the intervention (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test), and three months after the intervention (follow-up test).

Inclusion Criteria

• Scoring between 10 and 29 on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) during the initial assessment
• Being between 18 and 25 years of age
• Not having received any prior psychiatric diagnosis or treatment
• Not having received prior stress management training
• Volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

• Scoring outside the 10-29 range on the BDS
• Being under 18 or over 25 years of age
• Having a history of psychiatric diagnosis or treatment
• Having received stress management training
• Refusing to participate in the study
• Not having attended more than three sessions