Cited by 120Digital Mental Health InterventionsMindfulness and Compassion InterventionsWorkplace Health and Well-being

Internet- and mobile-based stress management for employees with adherence-focused guidance: efficacy and mechanism of change

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Ebert, David Daniel, Lehr, Dirk, Heber, Elena, Riper, Heleen, Cuijpers, Pim, Berking, Matthias·2016·Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an internet-based stress management intervention (iSMI) among employees compared to a 6-month waitlist control group (WLC) with full access to treatment-as-usual. METHOD: A sample of 264 employees with elevated symptoms of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10 ≥22) was assigned to either the iSMI or WLC group. The iSMI consisted of seven sessions and one booster session including problem-solving and emotion regulation techniques. Participants received guidance from an e-coach that focused on improving the adherence to the intervention. Self-report data were assessed at baseline, seven weeks, and six months following randomization. The primary outcome was perceived stress (PSS-10). The secondary outcomes included other relevant mental and work-related health outcomes. RESULTS: The iSMI participants showed a significantly higher reduction in perceived stress from baseline to seven weeks [d=0.79, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.54-1.04] and the 6-month follow up (d=0.85, 95% CI 0.59-1.10) compared to controls. Significant moderate-to-large effect sizes were also found for depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, sleeping problems, worrying, quality of life (mental health), psychological detachment and emotion regulation skills. Work engagement, quality of life (physical health), absenteeism and presenteeism were not found to significantly differ between the iSMI and WLC groups. Changes in emotion regulation regarding general distress mediated changes in perceived stress. CONCLUSION: The iSMI investigated in this study was found to be effective in reducing typical symptoms of stress. However, several important work-related health symptoms were not significantly affected by the intervention. Internet-based guided self-help interventions could be an acceptable, effective approach to reduce a range of negative consequences associated with work-related stress. Future studies should investigate the comparative (cost-) effectiveness of guided and unguided stress management interventions.

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  1. Schaufeli W, Leiter MP, Maslach C, Jackson, S E. Maslach Burnout Inventory -General Survey (MI-GS). In: Maslach C, Jackson SE, Leiter MP, eds. Maslach Burnout Inventory Manual. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press; 1996.

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Authors
Ebert, D. D., Lehr, D., Heber, E., Riper, H., Cuijpers, P., & Berking, M.
Affiliations
  • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (DE)
  • Leuphana University of Lüneburg (DE)
Venue
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
Published
2016-06-01
Volume
42
Issue
5
Pages
382-394
ISSN
  • 0355-3140 (ISSN-L)
  • 1795-990X
OpenAlex
W2462644484
Cited by
120
References
64
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 1
FWCI
20.03
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Amsterdam UMC (VU Amsterdam) - Institutional Repository (publishedVersion)
  • Multilingual Matters (Channel View Publications) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • VU Research Portal (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • European Commission (2007DE161PR001, ZW6‐80119999, CCI 2007DE161PR001, EFRE: ZW6-80119999, CCI 2007DE161PR001)
  • European Regional Development Fund (ZW6-80119999, CCI 2007DE161PR001, 2007DE161PR001)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Workplace Health and Well-being
Keywords
mobile-based interventions, occupational stress, perceived stress, e-coaching, intervention adherence, emotion regulation, problem solving, depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, sleep disorders, psychological detachment, work engagement, absenteeism, presenteeism, quality of life, mechanisms of change, guided self-help
MeSH terms
Mental Disorders, Emotions, Humans, Problem Solving, Sleep Wake Disorders, Stress, Psychological, Occupational Health, Internet, Cell Phone, Self Report

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