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

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychology
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Distressed managers experience significant stress, impacting mental and work-related health.
• Existing treatments may not be fully accessible or time-effective for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a guided internet-based stress management intervention (iSMI) for distressed managers.
• To compare iSMI with an attention control (AC) group receiving treatment-as-usual.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 117 distressed managers allocated to iSMI or AC.
• The iSMI comprised eight modules with weekly psychologist guidance.
• Outcomes, including perceived stress, burnout, depression, and insomnia, were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• iSMI significantly reduced perceived stress (d=0.74) and burnout (d=0.95) compared to AC at post-assessment.
• Medium-to-large effect sizes were observed for improvements in depression, insomnia, and job satisfaction.
• Sustained positive effects on mental health outcomes were noted at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Guided internet-based stress management interventions are effective and accessible for reducing stress and improving mental health in distressed managers.
• iSMIs offer a potentially time-effective solution for occupational health challenges.
• Further research should explore indirect effects on employee well-being.