Stress Management Programme on the Stress of Chiang Mai University Students: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Stress is the problem that is often found in students due to their higher expectations and the changes happening at the personal, social and environmental levels. The main objective of the present study was to develop and analyze the results of a stress management programme conducted for students at Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. This was quasi-experimental research, conducted according to the one-group plan. The student initiatives included five Chiang Mai University students, selected through purposive sampling after passing the initial screening. They were evaluated by completing the basic information questionnaire of the Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20) and the Suanprung Stress Test-60 (SPST-60) before and after the programme. The tools used in this study were developed from the conceptual framework according to the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) model. The researcher used the breathing technique using the diaphragm, and muscle relaxing technique. The concept of emotional awareness was conducted according to the four foundations of mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with group process in occupational therapy. The results of the study revealed that the sample population had significantly lower stress levels after joining the stress management programme. However, it was observed that there was no difference in the susceptibility to stress levels before or after joining the programme. In general, this stress management programme can be undertaken by other students of Chiang Mai University to monitor their stress levels.