Comparison of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Method Based on Gross Model and Muscle Relaxation Technique on Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Resilience in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the emotion regulation method based on the Gross model and muscle relaxation technique on perceived stress, anxiety, and resilience in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

This study quasi-experimental study had a pretest-posttest design and follow-up and control groups. The statistical population included all patients in the age range of 30-50 years with coronary heart disease who were referred to medical centers and private cardiology clinics in Ilam, Iran, in 2020, of whom 60 people were selected using a random sampling method and divided into three groups by random distribution method. The data collection tools included standard scales of perceived stress, anxiety, and resilience.

The results of repeated measures analysis of variance showed the effectiveness of Benson’s relaxation exercises on perceived stress, anxiety, and resilience as well as the effectiveness of emotion regulation training based on the Gross model on perceived stress and anxiety in patients. The comparison of the two treatment models showed that Benson’s relaxation exercises could reduce patients’ perceived stress and anxiety more effectively. However, emotion regulation training based on the Gross model has been more effective in increasing patients’ resilience than Benson’s relaxation exercises.

Based on the obtained results, emotion regulation training based on the Gross model and muscle relaxation exercises can be used as an effective intervention to complement medical treatment and improve patients' general health.