The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Happiness and Academic Stress of NursingStudents: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Some nursing students might experience high level of stress and lower levels ofhappiness; therefore, providing some interventions would be beneficial for them.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of foot reflexology on happiness andacademic stress of female Nursing student resident in dormitoryMethod: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on ۹۹ students, who were divided intothree groups of reflexology, sham and control. The intervention group received foot reflexology.The sham group received nonspecific foot massage without applying pressure on standard reflexpoints. No intervention was done for the control group.Results: The results indicated a significant difference amongst the three groups regarding stressand happiness after the intervention. A significant difference was observed between the footreflexology group and the control group regarding stress and happiness. In addition, in the footreflexology group, a significant difference was found regarding the mean change of students’stress and happiness before and after the intervention.Conclusions: Foot reflexology, as an effective intervention treatment, can reduce level of stressand increasing nursing students’ happiness, therefore educational authorities and instructors arerecommended to use this intervention during the course of nursing’ Bachelor’s degree.

Keywords:

Happiness , Academic Stress , Nursing Student , Reflexology