Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training Using Brief E-mail Sessions in the Workplace: A Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

In the present study, we conducted a clinical controlled trial to evaluate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) training in improving depression and self-esteem in workers. A total of 261 workers were assigned to either an intervention group (n=137) or a waiting-list group (n=124). The intervention group was offered participation in a group session with CBT specialists and three e-mail sessions with occupational health care staff. Betweengroup differences in the change in Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Self-Esteem Scale from baseline to three months after the end of training were assessed by analysis of covariance. All subjects in the intervention group completed the group session and 114 (83%) completed the three e-mail sessions. CES-D score decreased by 2.21 points in the intervention group but increased by 0.12 points in the control group, a significant difference of -2.33 points (95% confidence interval: -3.89 to-0.77; p<0.001). The between-group difference in change of self-esteem scores was not significant. Results of the present study suggest that CBT training cooperatively provided by CBT specialists and occupational health care staff using brief e-mail is effective in improving feelings of depression in workers.

Effect of a brief training program based on cognitive behavioral therapy in improving work performance: A randomized controlled trial

“…In previous studies evaluating the effect of low-intensity CBT, the mean number of CBT sessions ranged from 6 to 7 and showed a high dropout rate during implementation 21) . However, another study using an intervention method similar to that in the present study and conducted in health workers in Japan showed that CBT training using one group session and three e-mail sessions was effective in improving depression with a relatively low dropout rate 19) . In the present study, we asked participants to complete the web-based CBT homework at least three times to ensure feasibility and avoid placing further pressure on busy participants and exacerbating dropout rates.…”

“…A possible solution is therefore brief and easy-toimplement CBT including provision of information on CBT via books, group training, telephone, and the Internet in a self-study format. However, while intervention using brief CBT has been reported to reduce depression, anxiety, stress 19,20,25) , and absenteeism 30,31) , to our knowledge, few reports have remarked on intervention via brief CBT to increase positive mental health including work performance, which is of key importance in the workplace. Proudfoot et al (2009) provided CBT training that consisted of 3-hour sessions once a week, for 7 weeks to employees in the sales division of a financial services company and examined their sales after 2 years.…”

“…Such programs include the provision of information and psychological education via books, materials, and group sessions, as well as CBT via e-mail, phone, and online programs that can be independently accessed 1,18) . Such brief CBT programs to reduce depression and anxiety have indeed been found easy to implement in the workplace and effective 19,20) .…”

Web-based interventions for the management of stress in the workplace: Focus, form, and efficacy

“…A blended approach was also with a sample of 261 white collar workers in the workplace 23) , in which a 3-h CBT training group was followed by three individualized e-mail sessions (comprising CBT homework exercises and feedback from occupational physicians and nurses). The intervention produced a significant decrease in depressive symptoms compared with controls, as well as enabling the intervention group to significantly improve on self-reported understanding of stress control skills.…”

Pilot study on the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on depression among Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis

“…The Japanese version of this battery has already been applied in clinical studies. 14 The FAMS consists of seven subscales (mobility, symptoms, emotional well-being, general contentment, thinking/fatigue, family/social well-being and additional concerns) comprising 58 items, with each item scored on a 5point scale ranging from 0 ("not at all") to 4 ("very much"). 15 FAMS was used in our previous study.…”