DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Exploring the Efficacy of Short-term Mental Health Healing Programs: A Case Study of Civil Servants in Jeonnam

  • Seojae Jeon (Korea Institute of Integrated Medical Research) ;
  • Hyoung-won Kang (Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University) ;
  • Namju Lee (The Korean Medicine Center for Integrative Research, Wonkwang University) ;
  • Junghan Lee (Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine)
  • Received : 2024.03.04
  • Accepted : 2024.04.30
  • Published : 2024.04.30

Abstract

In the field of mental health care, long-term healing programs have gained widespread recognition for their effectiveness in promoting well-being. However, the efficacy of shorter-term interventions, such as 1-night 2-day programs, remains relatively understudied. The primary objective of this initiative is twofold: firstly, to enhance the overall well-being and resilience of participants, and secondly, to investigate the program's potential to ameliorate specific mental health indicators. These indicators include physical stress levels, autonomic nervous system health, brain activity, brain stress, and concentration. A 1-night 2-day mental health healing program was implemented for 560 civil servants from Jeollanam-do (mean age 47.87 yrs). The focus was on measuring changes through baseline assessments before participation and post-program assessments upon completion. Measurements included physical stress index, autonomic nervous system health, brain activity level, brain stress, and brain concentration. There was a significant decrease in physical stress, as well as a significant decrease in autonomic nervous system health (p<0.05). Although there was no significant difference in brain activity level, there was a tendency for brain activity level to stabilize in the high-frequency range. Additionally, a significant decrease in stress levels and an improvement in concentration were observed. Incorporating 1-night 2-day relaxation programs into our daily lives offers a holistic approach to caring for both our physical and mental health, providing essential moments of rejuvenation and self-care that contribute to overall well-being and fulfillment.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by a grant from the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant number HI20C1951).

References

  1. World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response. www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response (2018).
  2. J. E. Stahl, M. L. Dossett, A. S. LaJoie, J. W. Denninger, D. H. Mehta, R. Goldman, G. L. Fricchione, H. Benson, "Relaxation response and resiliency training and its effect on healthcare resource utilization", PLoS One, 10:e0140212, (2015).
  3. P. J. Jongen, I. Stavrakaki, B Voet, E Hoogervorst, E van Munster, W. H. Linssen , L. G. Sinnige, W. I. Verhagen, L. H. Visser, R van der Kruijk, F Verheul, J Boringa, M Heerings, W Gladdines, F Lonnqvist, P Gaillard, "Patient-reported adverse effects of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone treatment: a prospective web-based multi-center study in multiple sclerosis patients with a relapse", J. Neurol, Vol. 263, pp. 1641-1651, (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-016-8183-3
  4. B. P. C. Smirmaul, R. F. Chamon, F. M. de Moraes, G. Rozin, A. S. B. Moreira, R. de Almeida, S. T. Guimaraes, "Lifestyle Medicine During (and After) the COVID-19 Pandemi", Am J Lifestyle Med, Vol.15, No.1 pp 60-67, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827620950276
  5. P. J. Jongen, I. Stavrakaki, B. Voet, E. Hoogervorst, E. van Munster, W. H. Linssen, L. G. Sinnige, W. I. Verhage, L. H. Visser, R. van der Kruijk, F. Verheul, J. Boringa, M. Heerings, W. Gladdines, F. Lonnqvist, P. Gaillard, Patient-reported adverse effects of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone treatment: a prospective web-based multi-center study in multiple sclerosis patients with a relapse. J. Neurol, Vol 263, pp 1641-1651, (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-016-8183-3
  6. E. R. Park, L. Traeger, A. M. Vranceanu, M. Scult, J. A. Lerner, H Benson, J Denninger, G. L. Fricchione, "The development of a patient-centered program based on the relaxation response: the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP)", Psychosomatics, Vol.54, pp. 165-174, (2013). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psym.2012.09.001
  7. J. A. Dusek, Hasan H. H. Otu, A. L. Wohlhueter, M. Bhasin, L. F. Zerbini, M. G. Joseph, H. Benson, T. A. Libermann, "Genomic Counter-Stress Changes Induced by the Relaxation Response", PLoS One, Vol.3, No.7 e2576. (2008).
  8. A Martin-Rodriguez, L. A. Gostian-Ropotin, A. I. Beltran-Velasco, N Belando-Pedreno, J. A. Simon, C. Lopez-Mora, E. Navarro-Jimenez, J. F. Tornero-Aguilera, V. J. Clemente-Suarez1, "Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health", Sports (Basel), Vol.12, No.1 pp. 37, (2024).
  9. S. G. Hofmann, J. E. Curtiss, S. C. Hayes, "Beyond linear mediation: Toward a dynamic network approach to study treatment processes", Clinical Psychology Review, Vol.76, 101824, (2020).
  10. C. L. M. Keyes, S. S. Dhingra, E. J. Simoes, "Change in level of positive mental health as a predictor of future risk of mental illness", American journal of public health, Vol.100, No.12 pp. 2366-2371, (2010). https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2010.192245
  11. A. Mahindru, P. Patil, V. Agrawal, "Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review", Cureus, Vol.15, No.1 e33475. (2023).
  12. M. A. M. Peluso, L. H. S. G. de Andrade, "Physical activity and mental health: the association between exercise and mood", Clinics, Vol.60, No.1 pp. 61-70, (2005). https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322005000100012
  13. E. Won, Y. Kim, "Stress, the Autonomic Nervous System, and the Immune-kynurenine Pathway in the Etiology of Depression", Curr Neuropharmacol, Vol.14, No.7 pp. 665-673, (2016). https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X14666151208113006
  14. M. G. Ziegler, "50 - Psychological Stress and the Autonomic Nervous System", Primer on the Autonomic Nervous System (Second Edition)", pp. 189-190, Elsevier, (2004)
  15. M. Ando, S. Ito, "Changes in Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Mood of Healthy People after Mindfulness Art Therapy Short Version", Health, Vol.8, No.4, pp. 279, (2016).
  16. H. Yaribeygi, Y. Panahi, H. Sahraei, T. P. Johnston, A. Sahebkar, "The impact of stress on body function: A review", EXCLI J, Vol.16, pp. 1057-1072 (2017).
  17. N. Schneiderman, G. Ironson, S. D. Siegel, "STRESS AND HEALTH: Psychological, Behavioral, and Biological Determinants", Annu Rev Clin Psychol, Vol.1, pp. 607-628, (2005). https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.1.102803.144141
  18. B. K. Holzel, J. Carmody, M. Vangel, C. Congleton, S. M. Yerramsetti, T. Gard, S. W. Lazara, "Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density", Psychiatry Res, Vol.191, No.1 pp. 36-43, (2011). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2010.08.006
  19. J. L. Zhao, W. T. Jiang, X. Wang, Z. D. Cai, Z. H. Liu, G. R Liu, "Exercise, brain plasticity, and depression", CNS Neurosci Ther, Vol.26, No.9 pp. 885-895, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.13385
  20. M. Colizzi, A. Lasalvia, M. Ruggeri, "Prevention and early intervention in youth mental health: is it time for a multidisciplinary and trans-diagnostic model for care?", Int J Mental Health Sys, Vol.14, No.23 pp. 1-14, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-020-0336-1