A Peer-led Group Intervention Based on Relaxation (soRELAX) to Improve Well-being and Mental Health in Nursing Students: A Mixed Method Pilot Study

Background: The well-being of nursing students is strongly affected by their mental health.

Purpose: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a peer-led support group intervention based on autogenic training (soRELAX) on the well-being and mental health of nursing students.

Methods: A pilot mixed convergent design was used with a single group and three assessments: baseline, at 7 weeks, and at 12 weeks. The intervention was delivered online by 15 trained peers in small groups over 7 weeks. Recruitment, attrition, and completion rates were calculated. Well-being, stress, distress, anxiety, depression, social support, mindfulness, and performance were measured. Participants' perceptions were collected in online semistructured interviews.

Results: Three-quarters of the 55 nursing students completed at least six sessions. Results showed a significant increase in well-being and mindfulness and a significant decrease in stress, distress, anxiety, and depression symptoms at 7 and 12 weeks. Participants said that they felt more self-aware and more aware of what was causing them stress.

Conclusions: soRELAX is a relatively feasible and acceptable intervention. Nursing students' well-being, mental health, and mindfulness were significantly improved after the intervention. This improvement was maintained at three months.