The influence of a relaxing massage on stress levels in women

Abstract

One of the factors that negatively affect the human body is susceptibility to stress. The inability to react to negative emotions and reduce tensions in the body causes many negative symptoms that affect people every day. A relaxing massage is one of the ways to reduce stress levels. The aim of the study was to attempt to assess the effect of a relaxing massage on the level of stress in women aged 25-45 years. The research group consisted of 60 women. The research group underwent a proprietary relaxing massage, while the control group used manicures or pedicures. As the research method an original questionnaire and the PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) was used. The subjective assessment of the level of stress based on the proprietary survey and the PSS-10 questionnaire among the respondents after the relaxing massage was statistically significantly lower. However, no statistically significant differences in the decrease in stress levels were found between the two groups. On the other hand, a statistically significant relationship between education and the level of stress was proved. Subjects with lower education were characterized by a higher level of stress.