Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology (한국응용과학기술학회지)

The Korean Society of Applied Science and Technology (한국응용과학기술학회)
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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
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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).

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