Effects of Weighted Blankets on College Students’ Anxiety
Submission Type
Event
Faculty Advisor
Noël Kerr
Expected Graduation Date
2019
Location
Room E102, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-13-2019 10:00 AM
End Date
4-13-2019 11:00 AM
Disciplines
Education
Abstract
Background: College students lack resources to alleviate anxiety, which may have a negative impact on academic success and sleep. Therapies such as weighted blankets may provide relief, but information about the use of weighted blankets for students is lacking.
Purpose: To compare the effect of weighted versus standard blankets on anxiety, sleep, and GPA in a sample of undergraduate students.
Conceptual framework: Students self-identified as having anxiety. Measurements were operationalized through the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS).
Methods: A pilot study using a randomized, controlled design was conducted. Participants (N=36) identified as belonging to one of three groups: having anxiety and taking medication, having anxiety and not taking medication, and not experiencing anxiety. Participants were randomly assigned to use a weighted or standard blanket throughout the fall 2018 semester, and completed three online surveys including items about sleep and the OASIS. SPSS will be used to analyze descriptive, bivariate, and parametric statistics.
Findings: The findings will be completed before the JWP research conference.
Conclusions: The findings may provide insight into how complementary and alternative therapies could be aligned with care provided for students by university health and counseling services, and evidence-based practice in mental health nursing.
Effects of Weighted Blankets on College Students’ Anxiety
Room E102, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Background: College students lack resources to alleviate anxiety, which may have a negative impact on academic success and sleep. Therapies such as weighted blankets may provide relief, but information about the use of weighted blankets for students is lacking.
Purpose: To compare the effect of weighted versus standard blankets on anxiety, sleep, and GPA in a sample of undergraduate students.
Conceptual framework: Students self-identified as having anxiety. Measurements were operationalized through the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS).
Methods: A pilot study using a randomized, controlled design was conducted. Participants (N=36) identified as belonging to one of three groups: having anxiety and taking medication, having anxiety and not taking medication, and not experiencing anxiety. Participants were randomly assigned to use a weighted or standard blanket throughout the fall 2018 semester, and completed three online surveys including items about sleep and the OASIS. SPSS will be used to analyze descriptive, bivariate, and parametric statistics.
Findings: The findings will be completed before the JWP research conference.
Conclusions: The findings may provide insight into how complementary and alternative therapies could be aligned with care provided for students by university health and counseling services, and evidence-based practice in mental health nursing.