One SMS a day keeps the stress away? A just-in-time planning intervention to reduce occupational stress among
Konstantin Schenkel1, Severin Haug2, Raquel Paz Castro2
1Department of Psychology, Social and Health Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Background:
Occupational stress is one of the main sources of stress in apprentices with physical and psychological health consequences. Just-in-time planning interventions (JITPIs) are one opportunity to deliver intervention components at the right times and locations to optimally support apprentices in stressful situations. The aim of this study was to test the proximal effect of a mobile phone-delivered JITPI to reduce occupational stress in 386 apprentices within a planning intervention.
Methods:
An AB/BA crossover design in which participants were randomly allocated to (A) the planning intervention or (B) the assessment only condition was implemented.
Results:
The analyses of the study "ready4life", multilevel modeling, revealed no significant effect of the planning intervention on occupational stress reduction.
Conclusions:
Possible reasons for the missing effect might be the low stress level of participants or the type of the intervention delivery. Since apprenticeships in Switzerland differ considerably, future studies should enable more adapted interventions for the apprentices and consider individual circumstances of stress. Further, the intervention should focus on apprentices with high occupational stress levels or a high-risk of stress. Studies should investigate exactly when and why a person needs support regarding her/his occupational stress. Therefore, objective measurements of stress could be helpful.
Related Concept Videos
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as...


