Keywords
Nursing students
Mental health
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
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Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of Usui Reiki on reducing psychological distress—depression, anxiety, and stress—in university students. Methods: A longitudinal quasi-experimental study with three groups (G1, G2, and G3) and six assessment time points (T1 to T6). G1 at baseline served as the reference for comparisons. Symptoms were measured using the DASS-21 scale and analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) with a Gamma distribution, logarithmic function, and exchangeable correlation structure. Results: Significant reductions in adjusted scores were observed in all domains immediately after one application, with progressive intensification. The group that completed 21 days of Reiki (G3) showed the greatest reductions in symptoms of stress (Δ = −11.91; d = −18.53) and depression (Δ = −9.51; d = −9.19). There was a consistent trend toward improvement, especially in the groups with greater exposure. Conclusion: The results indicate that Usui Reiki may be a useful complementary strategy for promoting mental health among university students. However, the lack of a control group and the non-randomized design require caution in interpretation. Future research with greater methodological rigor and the inclusion of physiological markers is recommended to validate the findings.
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