Effects of an Online Stress Management Program on Perceived Stress and Coping Styles in Young Women Who Experienced Emotional Abuse: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of an online stress management (OSM) program on perceived stress and coping mechanisms among young women who experienced emotional abuse. Method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 52 women, divided into experimental and control groups. The OSM program comprised five weekly sessions delivered online. Data were collected at baseline, immediately postintervention, and at 1- and 3-month follow up using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Coping Style Scale. Results: There was a significant difference between groups in the amount of change in PSS score from baseline to 3-months postintervention ( p < .001). The experimental group showed a significant reduction in perceived stress, and improvements became more pronounced at 1- and 3-month follow up. The experimental group had higher scores on the self-confident approach and significantly lower scores on the helpless and submissive approaches ( p < .001). Conclusion: The OSM program effectively reduced stress and promoted adaptive coping in young women who experienced emotional abuse.