Metacognitive Therapy for Work-Related Stress: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Occupational Health
• Clinical Intervention

Background:

• Work-related stress affects 25% of EU workers, causing significant health issues.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated workplace stress globally.
• Existing intervention protocols for work-related stress are not yet timely or sustainable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) as an intervention for chronic work-related stress.
• To assess the feasibility and sustainability of MCT for treating workplace stress.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving four individuals with chronic work-related stress.
• Intervention utilized Metacognitive Therapy (MCT).
• Outcome variables included general mental health, perceived stress, blood pressure, coping strategies, avoidance behaviors, and depression symptoms, with assessments at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in general mental health, perceived stress, and blood pressure for all participants.
• Secondary outcomes, including reduced maladaptive coping and avoidance behaviors, and fewer depression symptoms, also improved.
• Treatment effects were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments.

Conclusions:

• Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) appears to be a promising and sustainable intervention for work-related stress.
• Further research, including large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a developed metacognitive model for stress, is warranted.
• This feasibility study supports MCT's potential as a cost-effective method for organizations to help employees manage workplace stress.