ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Job stress among healthcare workers has received more attention in recent years, perhaps because these professionals are prime candidates for high stress levels. METHOD: The immediate effects of brief massage therapy, music relaxation with visual imagery, muscle relaxation, and social support group sessions were assessed in 100 hospital employees at a major public hospital. DESIGN: The effects of the therapies were assessed using a within-subjects pre-post test design and by comparisons across groups. RESULTS: Groups reported decreases in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and confusion, as well as increased vigor following the sessions. CONCLUSION: That the groups did not differ on these variables suggests that these particular therapies, when applied for short periods of time, are equally effective for reducing stress among hospital employees.
