Prasanna Jayatilake
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri LankaPresentation Title:
Evaluating the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation for managing adjustment disorder among apparel sector employees in Sri Lanka using K10 and GHQ-12 scales
Abstract
Adjustment Disorder (AjD) is a prevalent stress-related condition among employees, driven by high demands, long hours, and job insecurity. Despite the growing awareness of workplace mental health, structure interventions for managing AjD remain underexplored. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a well-established relaxation technique known to reduce stress-related disorders by promoting physical and psychological relaxation, yet research on its effectiveness in managing AjD is scarce. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of PMR in managing AjD among middle-level management employees in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector. A quasi-experimental design was employed, using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) to measure psychological distress and overall mental well-being. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from four apparel factories and screened for AjD using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria and Adjustment Disorder-New Model-20 (ADNM-20). The screened participants were divided into a PMR intervention group and a control group. Following an 8-week intervention, post-tests were conducted with 91 participants: 45 in the PMR intervention group and 46 in the control group. Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test demonstrated that PMR significantly reduced AjD symptoms in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001), and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test revealed a significant improvement in post-test scores within the PMR intervention group (p < 0.001), demonstrating the effectiveness of PMR in alleviating psychological distress and improving overall well-being. These findings suggest that PMR is an effective, non-pharmacological intervention for managing AjD symptoms among employees in high-stress occupational environments such as the apparel sector. The study highlights the need for integrating evidence-based relaxation techniques into workplace mental health programs, which may enhance employee well-being and productivity. Further research should explore its broader applicability across diverse industries and investigate culturally adapted PMR techniques for the Sri Lankan workforce.
Biography
Prasanna Jayatilake is a consultant mindfulness counselling psychologist with over 30 years of experience in psychological counselling, training, and research. He holds a PhD in Mindfulness Counselling Psychology and an MSc, MA, Postgraduate Diploma, and BSc. He is the CEO and Managing Director of the Global Minds Institute of Psychological Studies & Research (Pvt) Ltd. He is also the President of SITHBO, the Centre for Science of Living, the Lanka Association for Advancement of Mindfulness (LAAM), and the Professional Counsellors’ Association in Sri Lanka. Jayatilake is also a member of the American Psychological Association and the American Mindfulness Research Association, USA. Jayatilake integrates psychological theories with practical applications, specializing in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and other therapeutic approaches. A highly sought-after trainer, he has conducted counselling training locally and internationally and is a corporate trainer and consultant. His expertise spans marital, pre-marital, psychosexual, family, and career counselling, and he has extensive experience lecturing and facilitating training workshops in diverse settings. As a leader in the field, Jayatilake has contributed to numerous publications, workshops, and conferences, sharing his insights on mindfulness, mental health, and psychological well-being.Dr. Jayatilake would like to acknowledge the contributions of the supervisors, Prof. Wasantha Gunathunga and Dr. Lakshika Liyanage.
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