Efficacy of Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Adults for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: A Systematic Review

Syazwina Muhammad Khir,1 Wan Mohd Azam Wan Mohd Yunus,1– 3 Norashikin Mahmud,1 Rui Wang,1 Siti Aisyah Panatik,1 Mohammad Saipol Mohd Sukor,1 Nor Akmar Nordin1 1Department of Psychology, School of Human Resource Development and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia; 2INVEST Research Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; 3Research Centre for Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, FinlandCorrespondence: Syazwina Muhammad Khir, Email [email protected]: The rise in the prevalence of mental health problems among adults worldwide has raised concerns, highlighting the critical need for evidence-based mental health interventions that are accessible, comprehensive, and effective. Previous research suggests that Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a promising intervention widely used to reduce mental health problems. Nevertheless, the current literature on the efficacy of PMR among adults globally is fragmented, indicating a potential gap in this research area. Hence, this paper aims to systematically compile the research evidence on the efficacy of PMR in adults for stress, anxiety, and depression.Methods: The Scopus, Web of Sciences, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from the earliest available evidence to 28th March 2023. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines were followed, and the protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies.Results: A total of forty-six (46) publications from sixteen (16) countries covering more than 3402 adults were included in the review. The results show that PMR are effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in adults. When PMR is combined with other interventions, the combined techniques have also consistently exhibited enhanced efficacy. Moreover, findings also indicate that the efficacy of PMR is heightened when implemented in conjunction with other interventions, surpassing its standalone efficacy.Funding and Registration: This research was supported/funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) (FRGS/1/2020/SS0/UTM/02/23). The review was registered on Open Science Framework (OSF) on the 7th of March 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/U2HZP.Keywords: progressive muscle relaxation, stress, anxiety, depressio

The effect of emotional intelligence on police officers work-life balance: The moderating role of organizational support

Work–life balance is a main concern for employees and employers alike, because a work–life imbalance can cause stress and health-related problems among workers.This study examines the relationship between emotional intelligence and work–life balance among police officers, and also the impact of organizational support as a moderator in this relationship.The data were collected from 1566 police officers in Peninsular Malaysia.Data was analyzed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) method. The results showed a significant and positive relationship between emotional intelligence and work–life balance.Organizational support was also found to moderate this relationship. These findings suggest that to achieve a work–life balance, police officers must have emotional intelligence, and the presence of organizational support would strengthen this relationship.Hence, in managing police officers’ work–life balance, it is important to enhance their emotional intelligence and implement organizational support policies