Effect of Morning Sun Bathing on Perceived Stress Among Adults: A Single-Group Pre-Post Study Using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
Abstract: Background: Stress is common in adult life, and indoor lifestyles limit exposure to natural light. Morning sunlight helps set the body clock and is linked with sleep and mood, but its relation to perceived stress as a simple daily practice has rarely been examined. Objective: To examine whether perceived stress differs before and after regular morning sun bathing among adults. Methods: In a quasi-experimental, single-group pre-post study, 100 adults aged 18-60 years (convenience sample) completed the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10; range 0-40), practised morning sun bathing for about 15-20 minutes daily (6:00-9:00 a.m.) for three to four weeks or longer and completed the PSS-10 again. Analyses included the paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Cohen's dz and exploratory subgroup tests. Results: All participants completed both assessments (mean age 35.2 years; 70% women). The mean PSS-10 score fell from 24.41 (SD = 4.82) to 20.36 (SD = 5.05), a reduction of 4.05 points (95% CI 3.42 to 4.68), t(99) = 12.78, p
Keywords: morning sunlight; sun bathing; perceived stress; Perceived Stress Scale; circadian rhythm; adults
How to Cite?: Sweta, Dr. Richa Gupta, "Effect of Morning Sun Bathing on Perceived Stress Among Adults: A Single-Group Pre-Post Study Using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1154-1157, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261018122101, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261018122101