Comparative Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Management and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training on Decision Fatigue and Psychosomatic Symptoms in Male Junior High School Students in Lordegan City
Keywords:
Decision fatigue, Progressive muscle relaxation, Mindfulness, Male students, Psychosomatic symptomsAbstract
Introduction and Aim: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress management and progressive muscle relaxation training on decision fatigue and psychosomatic symptoms in male junior high school students in Lordegan City.
Methodology: This quasi-experimental study used a pre-test/post-test design with a waitlist control group and 2-month follow-up. Fifty-four male students (mean age 13.97 ± 1.08 years) were assigned to mindfulness (n=18), PMR (n=18), and control (n=18) groups. Decision fatigue was measured using the DFQ, and psychosomatic symptoms using the PSQ. Data were analyzed via mixed-design ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests.
Findings: Both interventions significantly reduced decision fatigue (mindfulness: 22.36 to 6.30; PMR: 36.67 to 30.89) and psychosomatic symptoms (mindfulness: 125.06 to 112.67; PMR: 124.33 to 112.06) (p < 0.001). No significant difference existed between intervention groups (p > 0.05). Effects were sustained at 2-month follow-up.
Conclusion: Both mindfulness-based stress management and progressive muscle relaxation demonstrate comparable efficacy in reducing decision fatigue and psychosomatic symptoms among male junior high school students in Lordegan City, with effects maintained for two months post-intervention.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmad Bogari (Author); Fariba Kiani; Tayebeh Sharifi (Author)
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