A preliminary study on the effectiveness of a stress management program for healthcare-related undergraduates with at-risk mental state

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of a stress management program on stress perception and coping strategies for healthcare-related undergraduates with at-risk mental state (ARMS).

Design and methods: A randomized experimental design with pretest and posttest was used. Of the 2812 students screened, 65 were identified as having ARMS, 52 enrolled in the study, and 49 (75%) completed the study.

Findings: Significance was found for subjects with schizotypal traits in emotion expression and problem-avoidance coping strategies. Subjects with trait anxiety improved significantly in interpersonal deficits after the program.

Practice implications: Students with different trait risks reported benefits in different stress-coping strategies from the program.

Keywords: at-risk mental state; healthcare-related undergraduates; stress management; stress perception; stress-coping strategies.