A preliminary study on the effectiveness of a stress management program for healthcare‐related undergraduates with at‐risk mental state

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to examine the effects of a stress management program on stress perception and coping strategies for healthcare‐related undergraduates with at‐risk mental state (ARMS). Design and Methods A randomized experimental design with pretest and posttest was used. Of the 2812 students screened, 65 were identified as having ARMS, 52 enrolled in the study, and 49 (75%) completed the study. Findings Significance was found for subjects with schizotypal traits in emotion expression and problem‐avoidance coping strategies. Subjects with trait anxiety improved significantly in interpersonal deficits after the program. Practice Implications Students with different trait risks reported benefits in different stress‐coping strategies from the program.