A randomized clinical trial of alternative stress management interventions in persons with HIV infection.

Full Abstract

Research in psychoneuroimmunology suggests that immunosuppression associated with perceived stress may contribute to disease progression in persons with HIV infection. While stress management interventions may enhance immune function, few alternative approaches have yet been tested. This randomized clinical trial was conducted to test effects of three 10-week stress management approaches--cognitive-behavioral relaxation training (RLXN), focused tai chi training (TCHI), and spiritual growth groups (SPRT)--in comparison to a wait-listed control group (CTRL) among 252 individuals with HIV infection. Using repeated measures mixed modeling, the authors found that in comparison to the CTRL group, (a) both the RLXN and TCHI groups used less emotion-focused coping, and (b) all treatment groups had augmented lymphocyte proliferative function. Despite modest effects of the interventions on psychosocial functioning, robust findings of improved immune function have important clinical implications, particularly for persons with immune-mediated illnesses.(c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved

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Author information

Author/s: McCain, Nancy L (NL); Gray, D Patricia (DP); Elswick, R K (RK); Robins, Jolynne W (JW); Tuck, Inez (I); Walter, Jeanne M (JM); Rausch, Sarah M (SM); Ketchum, Jessica McKinney (JM);

Affiliation: School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. nlmccain(-atsign-)vcu.edu

Grants: 5M01 RR000065 (Agency:United States NCRR) ; 5R01 AT000331 (Agency:United States NCCAM)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Journal of consulting and clinical psychology (J Consult Clin Psychol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jun; vol 76 (issue 3) : pp 431-41

Dates: Created 2008/06/10; Completed 2008/07/29;

PMID: 18540736, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Female
HIV Infections - epidemiology; psychology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged

Middle Aged
Psychoneuroimmunology
Relaxation Techniques
Spiritual Therapies
Stress, Psychological - epidemiology; etiology; therapy
Tai Ji

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