Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management and Positive Therapy on Self-Regulation Behaviors of females with Hypertension

Objective: this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral based stress management training and positive therapy on self-regulation behaviors of females with primary hypertension. Method: In this semi-experimental study with pretest-posttest and control group, ۴۸ women with primary hypertension were randomized in control (n = ۱۶), positive therapy (n = ۱۶) and stress management (n = ۱۶) groups. All participants completed standard self-regulation behaviors questionnaire before and after interventions. The intervention groups received cognitive-behavioral based stress management training program for eight sessions. The control group did not receive any intervention during research. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive and inferential statistical methods (ANCOVA). Results: The findings indicated level of self-regulatory behaviors significantly increased in the intervention groups in compare to control group (P> ۰.۰۵). Comparison of intervention group revealed superior effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral based stress management program versus positive therapy (Mean difference=۲۸.۱۳, P>۰.۰۵) Conclusion: cognitive-behavioral stress management training and positive therapy are effective on the self-regulation behaviors of women with primary hypertension. Improvement of self-regulation behaviors through psychological programs such as cognitive-behavioral stress management training and positive therapy reduce the burden of disease and enhance treatment adherence.