Efficacy of an internet-based problem-solving training for teachers: results of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the efficacy of internet-based problem-solving training (iPST) for employees in the educational sector (teachers) with depressive symptoms. The results of training were compared to those of a waitlist control group (WLC).Methods One-hundred and fifty teachers with elevated depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, CES-D ≥16) were assigned to either the iPST or WLC group. The iPST consisted of five lessons, including problem-solving and rumination techniques. Symptoms were assessed before the intervention began and in follow-up assessments after seven weeks, three months, and six months. The primary outcome was depressive symptom severity (CES-D). Secondary outcomes included general and work-specific self-efficacy, perceived stress, pathological worries, burnout symptoms, general physical and mental health, and absenteeism.Results iPST participants displayed a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms after the intervention (d=0.59, 95% CI 0.26-0.92), after three months (d=0.37, 95% CI 0.05-0.70) and after six months (d=0.38, 95% CI 0.05-0.70) compared to the control group. The iPST participants also displayed significantly higher improvements in secondary outcomes. However, workplace absenteeism was not significantly affected.Conclusion iPST is effective in reducing symptoms of depression among teachers. Disseminated on a large scale, iPST could contribute to reducing the burden of stress-related mental health problems among teachers. Future studies should evaluate iPST approaches for use in other working populations.

Severely Burdened Individuals Do Not Need to Be Excluded From Internet-Based and Mobile-Based Stress Management: Effect Modifiers of Treatment Outcomes From Three Randomized Controlled Trials (Preprint)

“…Table 4 Change in perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety from baseline to 6-month follow-up Effects in change of anxiety were moderate to large, participants with low emotional exhaustion at baseline showed smaller effects (d=0. can be effective [38,39], (c) moderator analyses showing that higher symptom severity is not associated with worse treatment outcome in low-threshold self-help interventions [18,40]. The present study extends these findings by showing that highly burdened participants with high levels of stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia or emotional exhaustion can also substantially profit from an intervention that is labelled and specifically designed to reduce negative consequences of occupational stress.…”

Log in and breathe out: internet-based recovery training for sleepless employees with work-related strain – results of a randomized controlled trial

“…This is additionally supported by the low intervention-dropout rate (5%) and low study attrition. Intervention and study adherence was generally higher than with a traditional group face-to-face training (ie, 23) or guided and un-guided internet-based interventions targeting stress or insomnia (29,(64)(65). Our high adherence rates may be due to the guidance in the training in combination with the personal contact in the diagnostic interviews.…”

Effect of an eHealth Intervention to Reduce Sickness Absence Frequency Among Employees With Frequent Sickness Absence: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

“…Although both groups showed a high reduction in SA frequency (intervention group 67% and control group 83%), there was no statistical difference in SA frequency between the groups [22]. Ebert et al [23] found a reduction of depressive symptoms among a group of teachers through an internet-based problem-solving training, but no difference between the intervention and control groups on the secondary outcome measure self-rated absenteeism. Volker et al [24] reported an earlier return to work in the intervention group among sick-listed employees with common mental disorders (HR 1.39, 95% CI [1.03-1.87]).…”