Does aromatherapy massage reduce job-related stress? Results from a randomised, controlled trial

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test whether aromatherapy massage has a positive effect on job-related stress. The study was a randomised controlled trial. Eighteen nurses from two psychiatric hospitals were given six aromatherapy massage treatment sessions on a once-a-week basis. Fourteen nurses from the same hospitals formed a control group. The effect of the treatment was measured by Cooper’s Job Stress Questionnaire. There was a significant decrease in reported stress in the experiment group. The result may have implications for job-related stress in the workforce and be of significant economic value.