Internet-based stress management for distressed managers: results from a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the efficacy of a guided internet-based stress management intervention (iSMI) among distressed managers compared with a attention control group (AC) with full access to treatment-as-usual.MethodA total sample of 117 distressed managers, mainly employed in the healthcare, IT, communication and educational sector, were randomised to either iSMI (n=59) or an AC group (n=58). The iSMI consisted of eight modules including cognitive behavioural stress management and positive management techniques. Participants received a minimal and weekly guidance from a psychologist or master-level psychology student focusing on support, feedback and adherence to the intervention. Self-report data were assessed at pre, post and 6 months after the intervention. The primary outcome was perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-14). The secondary outcomes included mental and work-related health outcomes.ResultsParticipants in the iSMI intervention reported significantly less symptoms of perceived stress (d=0.74, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.19) and burnout (d=0.95, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.37) compared with controls, at postassessment. Significant medium-to-large effect sizes were also found for depression, insomnia and job satisfaction. Long-term effects (6 months) were seen on the mental health outcomes.ConclusionThis is one of the first studies showing that iSMIs can be an effective, accessible and potentially time-effective approach of reducing stress and other mental-related and work-related health symptoms among distressed managers. Future studies are needed addressing distressed managers and the potential of indirect effects on employee stress and satisfaction at work.

A randomised controlled trial of therapist-assisted online psychological therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (STOP-PTSD): trial protocol

“…The iStress stress management therapy programme developed by Andersson and colleagues has been shown to be effective in several trials [8,10]. It was adapted for people with PTSD and includes psycho-education about PTSD, training in problem-solving and training in techniques for stress reduction and coping with PTSD symptoms such as applied relaxation training, challenging irrational thoughts, mindfulness and training to improve sleep efficiency, as well as exposure to avoided situations.…”

“…Given the large number of people suffering from PTSD, it is, therefore, desirable to develop more efficient forms of treatment delivery that can be widely accessed, and online treatment delivery appears to be a promising alternative to face-to-face therapy. There is initial evidence that therapist-assisted, Internet-based psychological treatments are effective for PTSD [8][9][10][11][12][13]. In a meta-analysis based on 11 trials and 1139 participants, Sijbrandij et al [14] reported an average betweengroup effect size at post treatment of d = 0.71 compared to wait-lists or treatment as usual.…”

“…The present study will use internet-based stress management therapy (iStress-PTSD), developed by Andersson and colleagues, a very comprehensive CBT stress-management programme that includes applied relaxation, mindfulness, thought challenging, and exposure to avoided situations. It has been shown to be effective in several randomised trials [8,10]. The programme was translated into English and adapted for patients with PTSD.…”

Effects of cognitive behavioural therapy and return‐to‐work intervention for patients on sick leave due to stress‐related disorders: Results from a randomized trial

“…A meta‐analysis has shown positive effects for CBT when treating occupational stress (Richardson & Rothstein, ). For patients with clinical levels of stress and exhaustion, meta‐analyses have shown no effect of treatments (Ahola, Toppinen‐Tanner, & Seppänen, ; Arends, Bruinvels, Rebergen et al ., ; Perski, Grossi, Perski, & Niemi, ), although some studies indicate positive effects (i.e., Lindsäter, Salomonsson, Santoft et al ., ; Persson Asplund, Dagöö, Fjellström et al ., ). The relatively limited knowledge of how to deal with stress‐related disorders stands in remarkable contrast to anxiety disorders, depression and insomnia, where there is strong empirical support for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) regarding symptom reduction (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer, & Fang, ).…”

Analisis Manajemen Stres Berbasis Aplikasi Smartphone untuk Meningkatkan Koping Adaptif dalam Asuhan Keperawatan Jiwa: Literature Review

“…Intervensi pengelolaan stres berbasis web dan komputer juga efektif dan berpotensi mengurangi stres dalam skala besar (Heber et al, 2017). Selain itu, juga terbukti efektif dari segi waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk proses terapi dan efek dari terapi (Persson Asplund et al, 2017).…”