Deciphering the impact of pet or balloon play as a stress buster for exam-stressed students

Abstract

Objectives: To explore if exam stress affects students by altering their heart rate and blood pressure, and if it varies with age and gender.

Method: The cross-sectional, quasi-experimental study was conducted from January-December 2019 at the Virtual University of Pakistan (Rawalpindi campus). The study included undergraduate students regardless of age, gender and academic year. The participants were divided into animal interaction group R and balloon activity group B, letting the subjects choose between the two activities for releasing stress. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings and pulse rates were noted using a digital blood pressure monitor. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.

Results: Of the 186 students with mean age 25.80±5.08 years, 156(83.87%) were females and 30(16.13%) were males. Exam stress significantly increased heart rate as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05). Blood pressure parameters, SBP during exam days and DBP during normal days showed significant correlation with gender, but not with age. The heart rate was not significantly correlated with age and gender.

Conclusion: Both the stress adjustment activities, either patting a pet or playing with a balloon, could significantly reduce exam stress.

Key Words: Stress, Students, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Play therapy, Recreational therapy.