The Effect of Psychological Training with Progressive Muscle Relaxation on the Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Diabetes Type 2 Patients

  Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world. On the other hand, stress, anxiety, and depression are exacerbated by diabetes. Given psychological complications of diabetes, together with the education importance concerning the tactics to cope with, the present study aims to determine the effect of psychological training with progressive muscle relaxation on stress, anxiety, and depression in Diabetes Type 2 patients.   In this study, the educational trial control group included 60 patients with Diabetes Type 2 who were affiliated with the Diabetes Clinic of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. They were selected based on systematic random sampling from the records in the clinic and then divided randomly into two groups of intervention and control (30 in each). For the former, 12 sessions of psychological training with a progressive muscle relaxation technique were held, two sessions each weeks, and no intervention was performed for the latter. Data were collected using demographic (disease information) and DASS21 questionnaires. Data were analysed using Chi-square, Fisher's, Independent t-test, and Two-way ANOVA with Repeated Measurements before, immediately after, and three months follow-up. Results showed that there was a significant difference between the mean scores of stress, anxiety, and depression before, immediately after, and three months follow-up in the experimental group (p<0.050); however, no significant difference was found in the control group (p>0.050).   Psychological training intervention with a progressive muscle relaxation technique can improve depression, anxiety, and stress. Thus, the results of the study provide empirical support for the treatment in order to improve anxiety, depression, and stress.