This study was carried out to describe and analyze stress intervention studies applied cognitive behavioral therapy. Of 104 studies conducted between 1994 and 2003, 43 studies were available, including biobehavioral variables.
This study examined their general characteristics, detailed research methods, intervention methods and results.
The results were as follows
1. The cognitive behavioral researches about stress relief intervention have been systemized since 2000.
2. The majority subjects were the patients with AIDS, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder etc. Firstly, chosen subjects have problem both cognition and behavior.
3. Most of the studies adopted a randomized controlled trial.
4. The subjects were mostly adults and the number of subjects for intervention was usually from 21 to 40 patients. Intervention program duration range was from 9 weeks to 12 weeks.
5. The technique of intervention were cognitive restructuring, behavior practice, self control, mindfulness, relaxation training, assertive training, support, systemic insensitivity etc. Most researches used multiple techniques than simple technique. The technique mostly used were cognitive restructuring, behavior practice and relaxation training.
6. Dependent variables were categorized biological variable and behavioral variable. Biological variable were physical symptom, immune, hormone. Behavioral variable were psychological symptom, fear, depression, anger, stress, social support, cognition, behavior and quality of life.
7. The most study results showed that the cognitive behavioral intervention was effective to relieve physical and psychosocial symptom, improve quality of life and coping skills. There are also effective in immune system and stress hormone system. But the results are not consistent. For generalizing this results, we need more repetitional research. In comparative study, experimental group should be more than 2 for verifying effect. More strategical intervention should be developed for cost effective and more helpful stress relief.
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