[A meta-analysis of effects of job stress management interventions (SMIs)]

This quantitative meta analysis sought to determine the effectiveness of SMIs.

Forty-six experimental studies with a randomized or nonequivalent control group pre-post test design were included in the analysis. The selected studies were classified according to the sample characteristics, the types and methods of the interventions, and the types of outcome variables. Six intervention types were distinguished: cognitive-behavioral intervention(CBT), relaxation techniques(RT), exercise(EX), multimodal programs 1 and 2(MT1, 2), and organization focused interventions(OTs). Effect sizes were calculated for the 4 outcome categories across intervention types: psycho-social outcome, behavioral-personal resources, physiologic, and organizational outcome.

Individual worker-focused interventions(ITs) were more effective than OTs. A small but significant overall effect was found. A moderate effect was found for RT, and small effects were found for other ITs. The effect size for OTs was the smallest. The interventions involving CBT and RT appeared to be the preferred means of reducing worker's psycho-social and organizational outcomes. With regard to physiologic outcomes, RT appeared to be most effective. CBT appeared to be most effective in reducing psycho-social outcomes. The effects of OT were non-significant, except for the psycho-social outcomes.

SMIs are effective. Interventions involving RT and CBT are more effective than other types.