Stress Management Techniques for College Students
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if single sessions of stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), and deep breathing can quickly lower stress levels in college students. Participants will try various combinations of these techniques to identify the most effective and easy-to-use methods. College students who frequently experience stress and can attend a 60-minute session may be suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity for students to explore effective stress-reduction techniques and contribute to valuable research.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on stress management techniques, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required, but you should confirm with the study organizers.
What prior data suggests that these stress management techniques are safe for college students?
Research has shown that deep breathing, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation are generally safe with few risks. These techniques can significantly reduce stress levels. Studies suggest that deep breathing may improve mood and lower stress, though further research is needed to fully understand any risks. Yoga is also associated with stress reduction and is safe for most individuals. Progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups, has effectively reduced stress and anxiety. These methods are well-tolerated and have been safely used by many to manage stress.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these stress management techniques for college students because they offer a non-drug approach to managing stress, which can be particularly appealing for those looking to avoid medication. Unlike traditional treatments that often focus on medication or therapy, these techniques—like deep breathing, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation—provide immediate, accessible, and cost-effective ways to alleviate stress. Additionally, these methods can be easily incorporated into daily routines, potentially leading to long-term benefits without the side effects associated with pharmaceutical options. By exploring these diverse approaches, researchers hope to find out which combinations are most effective, offering more tailored stress relief strategies for different individuals.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for stress management in college students?
Research shows that yoga, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), and deep breathing exercises effectively reduce stress. In this trial, participants will be assigned to different treatment arms to evaluate these techniques. Studies have consistently found that yoga can significantly lower stress levels, even after just one session, as demonstrated by Fountain et al. (2019). PMR has decreased stress, anxiety, and depression in various groups, including college students. Deep breathing exercises have also led to noticeable reductions in stress. Some participants in this trial will experience combinations of these techniques, which might enhance their stress-relieving effects. Specifically, studies suggest that using PMR and deep breathing together can lead to immediate relaxation. These methods provide quick and easy ways to manage stress, ideal for busy college students.23678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for undergraduate college students aged 18-24 who are physically able to do exercises like yoga, as checked by a questionnaire (PAR-Q+). They must agree to the study's procedures and attend one session up to an hour long.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants engage in a single session of stress-reduction techniques including yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing, delivered alone or in combination
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for stress levels and acceptability of the intervention immediately after the session and 1 day after
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Deep Breathing
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Quiet sitting
- Yoga
Trial Overview
The study tests if a single session of stress-reduction techniques—yoga, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation—can help manage stress in college students. It checks how feasible and acceptable these methods are when used alone or together.
How Is the Trial Designed?
Participants engage in a single session combining yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing.
Participants engage in a single session combining yoga and progressive muscle relaxation
Participants engage in a single session combining yoga and deep breathing.
Participants engage in a single session of yoga.
Participants engage in a single session combining progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing.
Participants engage in a single session of progressive muscle relaxation.
Participants engage in a single session of deep breathing.
Participants engage in a low-touch relaxation condition.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Wake Forest University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Effective breath practices avoided fast-only breath paces and sessions <5 min, while including human-guided training, multiple sessions, and long-term practice.
Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta- ...
Overall, results showed that breathwork may be effective for improving stress and mental health. However, we urge caution and advocate for nuanced research ...
Deep breathing exercises in easing educational stress ...
Statistically significant reductions in mean stress scores underscore the effectiveness of this intervention, with the experimental group ...
The Effects of Breathing Exercises on Exam Anxiety ...
Scientific evidence demonstrates that regular practice of breathing exercises reduces stress and anxiety, enhances focus, improves physical ...
Slow breathing for reducing stress: The effect of extending ...
While slow breathing significantly reduces psychological stress, breath ratios do not have a significant differential effect on stress reduction among healthy ...
Meditation and Mindfulness: Effectiveness and Safety | NCCIH
Meditation and mindfulness practices usually are considered to have few risks. However, few studies have examined these practices for potentially harmful ...
NCT05392621 | Stress Management in College Students
Also called a data safety and monitoring board, or DSMB. ... A single deep breathing exercise session designed to elicit relaxation and to assist in stress ...
Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and ...
Breathwork improves mood and physiological arousal more than mindfulness meditation. Cyclic sighing is most effective at improving mood and reducing ...
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