A study of somatic experiencing interventions® for corona pandemic stress and anxiety in healthcare workers

Abstract This study examines whether the SE protocol can reduce stress and anxiety in pandemic-affected healthcare workers over time. This within-group pre-test-posttest study examines frontline healthcare workers’ stress and anxiety after a brief SE intervention. The study included 112 healthcare workers who surpassed the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) minimum anxiety and stress thresholds. 69 of 112 individuals completed pre- and post-test measures, and 27 completed follow-up scales. Analysis showed that SE sessions reduced stress and anxiety in healthcare workers, and follow-up assessments confirmed this. The findings suggest that two online SE sessions can help frontline healthcare workers cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.