Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate whether it group-based stress management intervention, based on principles from cognitive behavior therapy, call reduce stress and alter coping strategies in an occupationally diverse population with extensive symptoms of work-related stress. Methods Using a randomized wait list control design, 102 participants were divided into two groups: intervention and wait list control. The intervention was a three-month group-based stress management program. Outcomes measures were the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10, range 0-40 points) and five dimensions front the Brief COPE questionnaire (range 2-8 points) at baseline and three-, six- and nine-months follow-up. Data were analyzed with a univariate analysis of variance. Results On the PSS-10 from baseline to three months, the intervention group changed -6.45 (95% CI -8.25-4.64) points, compared to -1.12 (95% CI -2.94-0.70) points in the wait list control group. The between-groups difference was -5.32 (95% CI -7.89-2.76) points, equalling a standardized mean difference of -0.84 (95% Cl -1.27-0.42) favouring the intervention. One coping dimension, "positive reframing", differed between the two groups. Here the intervention group changed -0.86 (95% Cl -1.25-0.48) points from baseline to three months, compared to -0.18 (-0.58-0.22) points in the wait list control group. We found a between-groups difference of -0.67 (95% CI -1.24-0.11) points, equalling a standardized mean difference of -0.48 (95% Cl -0.89-0.07) favouring the intervention. The gains achieved during treatment were maintained when followed up three months later. Conclusions Treatment is Superior to the control condition in positively affecting perceived stress and positive reframing. When followed up, the gains achieved are maintained
Udgivelsesdato: 2009/3