Date of Award

4-12-2022

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Lisa Van Getson, APRN, DNP, FNP-C

Second Advisor

Deborah Schumacher, DNP, PHN, RN

Third Advisor

Joyce P. Miller, DNP, RN

Abstract

Chronic stress can be pervasive with a debilitating impact on physical and psychological health. Chronic stress fosters disequilibrium in a person’s whole being and can breed ill health; therefore, managing chronic stress is essential to maintaining a healthy and balanced mind and body. Stress accumulates in marginalized communities and the physical cost of the chronic stress on health can be insurmountable. A plethora of literature supports the use of mindfulness meditation and lavender essential oil in aromatherapy to reduce chronic stress levels. The use of the integrative modalities with a mind-body approach is essential and a cost effective way to help people cope with their experiences of chronic stress. Because marginalized and disenfranchised individuals and communities are bombarded by social and cultural structures that cause chronic stress, they may benefit from use of integrative modalities to manage symptoms. The scholarly project implemented mindfulness meditation and use of lavender essential oil in aromatherapy in 11 residents who live in a Midwest community and self-report chronic stress. Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality provided the framework for this project. Her theoretical concepts of culture care, culturally congruent care, environmental context, and worldview guided this project. The use of mindfulness meditation and lavender essential oil in aromatherapy to induce a relaxation response and relieve chronic stress symptoms was effective with all 11 participants.

Identifier

SC 11.DNP.2022.Miles-Hanson.C

Download

Share

COinS