Benson Relaxation Technique to Reduce Anxiety in Inpatients: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Anxiety is a common psychological condition often experienced by
inpatients due to changes in health status, unfamiliar environments, and
uncertainty about treatment. If left untreated, anxiety can lead to various negative
outcomes, including increased blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and excessive
restlessness. One effective non-pharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety is
Benson relaxation therapy, which combines deep breathing techniques with the
repetition of calming words or prayers. This study aimed to apply Benson
relaxation therapy to reduce patient anxiety in the inpatient ward of Woodward
Hospital, Palu.Methods: A descriptive case study design with a nursing care
approach was employed. The subject of the study was one patient experiencing
moderate anxiety. Benson relaxation therapy was administered for four days,
twice daily, with each session lasting 10–20 minutes. Anxiety levels were
measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Result: The HARS
score decreased from 25 (moderate anxiety) to 16 (mild anxiety). The patient also
showed improvements in sleep patterns, reduced muscle tension, and alleviation
of somatic symptoms such as dizziness and restlessness. Conclusion: Benson
relaxation therapy effectively reduces anxiety in hospitalized patients,
contributing to the resolution of anxiety-related problems.