Effects of a Stress Management Program on Stress, Emotion Regulation, and Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults

This study examined the effectiveness of a stress management program designed for older adults. The program aimed to promote emotional stability through stress education and emotion-focused coping strategies. The intervention comprised eight sessions that included educational content, practical exercises, and group activities. A total of 38 older adults participated in the experimental group (n = 19; M = 77.68 years) or the control group (n = 19; M = 75.05 years). Assessments were conducted at pretest, posttest, and a 4-week follow-up. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results indicated that, at posttest, the experimental group reported significantly lower stress and higher subjective well-being compared to the control group. The reduction in stress was maintained at the 4-week follow-up, and the experimental group also demonstrated improved emotion regulation. These findings suggest that the program effectively reduces stress and promotes emotional well-being among older adults. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.