Effect of Mitchell’s Physiological Relaxation Technique Educational Program on Ameliorating Pediatric Asthma Severity, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Ahmed, Shimaa Ramadan; Abo El-Ezz, Ahmed Abd El-Basset; Balha, Selwan Mahmoud Ibrahim

doi:10.21608/ejnsr.2025.408208.1462

Effect of Mitchell’s Physiological Relaxation Technique Educational Program on Ameliorating Pediatric Asthma Severity, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Fellow (Lecturer) of pediatric nursing, Pediatrics department, Tanta University Hospitals, Tanta University

² Pediatric department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

³ Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta university

10.21608/ejnsr.2025.408208.1462

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease that significantly
affects children's health and quality of life. Therefore, integrating safe and effective complementary therapies,
such as Mitchell’s physiological relaxation technique, alongside standard medical care may help improve both
clinical and psychological outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Mitchell’s
physiological relaxation technique educational program on ameliorating pediatric asthma severity, stress,
anxiety, and depression. Research design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Setting: The
study was conducted at the Inpatient Pediatric Chest Unit at Tanta Main University Hospital. Subjects: A
purposive sampling of 80 children from the previously mentioned setting. They were divided into two equal
groups. Tools of the study: Three tools were used. Tool I: Socio-demographic and clinical profile of children
with asthma questionnaire. Tool II: Pediatric asthma severity score. Tool III: depression anxiety stress scales –
youth version. Results: The study found significant improvements in pediatric asthma severity scores in both
the study and control groups pre- to post-program, with greater improvement in the study group posteducational program (p=0.003). The study group showed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and
stress post-educational program. Conclusion: Applying Mitchell’s physiological relaxation technique had a
significant positive effect in ameliorating pediatric asthma severity, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Recommendations: Providing regular in-service training programs for pediatric nurses regarding Mitchell’s
physiological relaxation technique application to enhance asthma care.

Keywords