This article reports the results of a pilot study testing the effects of two stress management interventions on blood pressure (BP) and stress-related variables in employed African American women. Thirty-three women with mean age 44.8 ± 7.6 years were randomly assigned to a cognitive mediation group (n = 10), a relaxation group (n = 12), or a delayed treatment control group (n = 11). The participants in the two stress management groups participated in a 10-week intervention; the delayed treatment control group received BP monitoring during the 10-week period. Measures included BP, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, Personal Strain, and Coping Resources. Although no significant Group × Time effects were found in BP, anger, or personal strain, several of the outcome measures appear to be sensitive and showed cell means in the hypothesized direction. Further study of the effects of stress management interventions on BP and stress, with a larger sample, is warranted.
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