ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adolescents be screened for mental health concerns and receive anticipatory guidance on stress management strategies. METHODS: Eighty-six participants (50 participants in the intervention group; 36 participants in the control group) participated in the study. Intervention group participants received training in diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and use of no-cost/low-cost exercise options. Biofeedback was used to guide relaxation. Subjective distress and heart rate variability was measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, decreased levels of perceived stress and increased heart rate variability were reported compared with the control group. DISCUSSION: This study show that an integrated care model in a primary care setting is feasible and effective at improving stress management.
