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Wirtz PH, Auer A, Semmer NK, Ehlert U, Nussbeck FW. Beneficial effects of a cognitive-behavioral occupational stress management group training: the mediating role of changing cognitions. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1232172. [PMID: 39135846 PMCID: PMC11318457 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1232172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction While the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral stress management trainings (SMTs) is well-documented, the underlying mechanisms, especially in an occupational context, are not fully understood. We tested whether SMT-induced improvements in stress management skills, particularly in the mastery of changing cognitions, may explain beneficial SMT effects. Methods Our non-randomized controlled trial comprised 108 employees of a German health insurance company, with 65 of them participating in a cognitive-behavioral SMT and 43 participating in an alternative control training (AT). As outcome variables, we repeatedly assessed stress-related (functional stress management skills, relaxation, stress reactivity, exhaustion), work-related (job dissatisfaction), and specific-context-related (social support, trait anger) measures at baseline, 2 weeks, and 3 months after the trainings. Functional stress management skills and, in particular, a subscale assessing perceived mastery of changing cognitions ("cognitive-strategies-and-problem-solving") were tested as mediators of change. Results Repeated measures (M)AN(C)OVAs and complementary multigroup latent difference models confirmed improvements in all outcomes in the SMT-group compared to the AT-group (p's ≤ 0.015). Multivariate mediation path analyses revealed that, regarding mechanisms of change, the subscale cognitive-strategies-and-problem-solving was identified as the most important mediator for all outcomes (95% CIs for expected increases in SMT- vs. AT-group = [lower limits (LLs) ≥ 0.004]; 95% CIs for expected decreases in the SMT- vs. AT-group = [upper limits(ULs) ≤ -0.078]) except for job dissatisfaction. Discussion Our findings confirm that employees can effectively learn to master stress reduction techniques and consequently lower the resulting burden. Moreover, beneficial SMT effects seem to result from improvements in functional stress management skills, particularly in the ability to change cognitions. This points to the importance of training cognitive techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra H. Wirtz
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Alisa Auer
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Norbert K. Semmer
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Psychology of Work and Organizations, Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fridtjof W. Nussbeck
- Methods for Intensive Data in Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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King AM, Plateau CR, Turner MJ, Young P, Barker JB. A systematic review of the nature and efficacy of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy interventions. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306835. [PMID: 38980891 PMCID: PMC11232995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In the absence of a single comprehensive systematic review of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy interventions across all settings, we reviewed the methodological quality, effectiveness and efficacy of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy interventions on irrational/rational beliefs. We explored the impact of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy on wider outcomes (e.g., mental health) and identified the characteristics of successful interventions. PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed were systematically searched up to December 2023 with 162 Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy intervention studies identified which included a validated measure of irrational/rational beliefs. Where possible, effect size for irrational/rational belief change was reported and data was analysed through a qualitative approach. Using the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool, methodological quality within the Sport and Exercise domain was assessed as good, whilst all other domains were considered low in quality, with insufficient detail provided on intervention characteristics and delivery. Most studies were conducted in the United States, within the Education domain, and assessed irrational beliefs in non-clinical adult samples. Overall, studies reported significant reductions in irrational beliefs, increases in rational beliefs and improvements in mental health outcomes (e.g., depression). More successful interventions were delivered by trained Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy practitioners, adopted the ABC framework and were longer in duration. We highlight the importance of designing and conducting rigorous future Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy research to generate clearer insights as to its impact on irrational/rational beliefs and mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailish M. King
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Carolyn R. Plateau
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J. Turner
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Young
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie B. Barker
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
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Iremeka FU, Okeke SA, Agu PU, Isilebo NC, Aneke M, Ezepue EI, Ezenwaji IO, Ezenwaji CO, Edikpa E, Chukwu CJ, Eze AF, Omeje HO, Okereke GKO, Ogidi CI, Chukwuji C. Intervention for stress management among skilled construction workers. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26621. [PMID: 34260549 PMCID: PMC8284712 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have demonstrated the need for a stress management intervention among construction workers. Construction workers, despite their degree of stress, are expected to contribute to the accomplishment of projects on construction sites. This study aimed to ascertain the effect of a group rational emotive behavior therapy (group REBT) on stress management among a select sample of skilled construction workers in construction industry in Nigeria. METHODS With a randomized controlled trial design, 160 skilled construction workers completed the study and responded to the perceived stress scale-14 and work-related irrational beliefs questionnaire. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 80) or the control group (n = 80). The main method of data analysis used in the study was repeated measures within-between subjects analysis of variance statistic. RESULTS Results show that group REBT significantly improved stress and work-related irrational beliefs scores of the skilled construction workers after they were exposed to the intervention and compared with their colleagues in the control group. The significant reduction in stress and work-related irrational beliefs scores of the treatment group were also sustained at follow-up. CONCLUSION Group REBT was significant in reducing stress and work-related irrational beliefs among the skilled construction workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Somtochukwu A.C. Okeke
- Physical Planning Unit, Vice-Chancellor's Office, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Patricia Uzoamaka Agu
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | | | - Mary Aneke
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Evelyn Ijeoma Ezepue
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Ifeyinwa O. Ezenwaji
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | | | - Edith Edikpa
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | | | - Amaeze Fidelis Eze
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Hyginus Osita Omeje
- Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | | | - Chinenye Ifeoma Ogidi
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chioma Chukwuji
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Ilechukwu LC, Egenti NT, Aloh HE, Uwakwe RC, Obande-Ogbuinya N, Eke CL, Kalu IA, Ejionueme LK, Iremeka FU. Rational emotive education for reducing stress of undergraduate students of religious education program: An experimental study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26177. [PMID: 34114999 PMCID: PMC8202547 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rational emotive education (REE) program aims to improve the behavioral and mental health of students. This study objective was to evaluate the effect of an REE program on stress among undergraduate students of religious education program in Nigerian Universities. METHOD One hundred and fifty (150) religious education undergraduates who had high level of stress participated in the study. Participants were assigned to 2 different groups. The treatment group had 75 participants and while control group also had 75 participants. Data collection was done using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) while data analysis was done using independent sample t test and paired t test statistics at .05 probability level. RESULTS The REE program resulted in a significant decrease in level of stress among undergraduate students of religious education program in the treatment group compared with those students in the control group. Also, the effect of the REE program was maintained during the follow-up among undergraduate students of religious education program exposed to it. CONCLUSION The REE program can be used to assist undergraduate students of religious education program to manage their stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nkechi Theresa Egenti
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, P.M.B 410001, Nsukka, Enugu State
| | - Henry Egi Aloh
- Department of Health Services, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State
| | - Rowland C. Uwakwe
- Faculty of Education, Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Nkiru Obande-Ogbuinya
- Faculty of Education, Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Chinyere Lambert Eke
- Faculty of Education, Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Ijeoma Awa Kalu
- Faculty of Education, Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | | | - Felicia Ukamaka Iremeka
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, P.M.B 410001, Nsukka, Enugu State
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Igbokwe UL, Onyechi KC, Ogbonna CS, Eseadi C, Onwuegbuchulam AC, Nwajiuba CA, Ugodulunwa CC, Eze A, Omaeze K, Patrick CP, Ekechukwu LE, Egbe CI, Nnachi RA, Anyaegbunam EN. Rational emotive intervention for stress management among english education undergraduates: Implications for school curriculum innovation. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e17452. [PMID: 31577772 PMCID: PMC6783170 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000017452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Different studies have shown the prevalence of high level of stress among undergraduate students. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) as a stress management intervention among English Education undergraduates in Universities in Southeastern Nigeria. METHOD The study adopted a group randomized trial design. One hundred sixteen samples of English education undergraduates (with a high level of perceived stress) took part in the study. These students were randomly assigned to groups - intervention group(n = 58) and no-intervention control group (n = 58). The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) was used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using 2-way mixed repeated measure ANOVA and independent sample t test at 0.05 probability level. RESULT Results showed that an REBT program significantly reduced the stress among English education undergraduates in the intervention group compared to the students in the control group as measured by PSS-14. Also, the English education undergraduates who benefited from the REBT program maintained the reduction in stress after 3 months when the researchers conducted a follow-up. CONCLUSION REBT program can be used to equip undergraduate students with the necessary skills to manage stress. The implications for curriculum innovation were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert Azu Nnachi
- Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Emenike N. Anyaegbunam
- Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
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Ugwoke SC, Eseadi C, Igbokwe CC, Chiaha GT, Nwaubani OO, Orji CT, Ugwuanyi LT, Chukwuma IS, Edikpa EC, Ogakwu VN, Onu EA, Agu P, Nwobi UA, Omeke F, Okeke FC, Ezema RN, Abugu LI. Effects of a rational-emotive health education intervention on stress management and irrational beliefs among technical college teachers in Southeast Nigeria. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e7658. [PMID: 28767584 PMCID: PMC5626138 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000007658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is the product of how an individual reacts and adapts to the specific demands and threats they encounter while carrying out given tasks. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a rational-emotive health education intervention (REHEI) on stress management, and irrational beliefs in a sample of technical college teachers in Southeast Nigeria. METHOD The study design was a pretest-posttest control group. Repeated measures analysis of variance, paired t test and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data collected. RESULTS The REHEI significantly reduced teacher stress in those teaching staff exposed to the treatment intervention, relative to a waitlist control group. Furthermore, the REHEI program significantly decreased irrational beliefs about teaching in those teaching staff exposed to the treatment intervention compared to a waitlist control group. CONCLUSION The REHEI program can be used to coach teachers on how to manage and cope with stress and overcome irrational beliefs in teaching.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Chibueze Tobias Orji
- Department of Industrial Technical Education, Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ujunwa A. Nwobi
- Department of Adult Education & Extra-Mural Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
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Murta SG, Sanderson K, Oldenburg B. Process Evaluation in Occupational Stress Management Programs: A Systematic Review. Am J Health Promot 2016; 21:248-54. [PMID: 17375490 DOI: 10.4278/0890-1171-21.4.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To conduct a systematic review of workplace stress management intervention studies that have incorporated process evaluation. Data Source. Electronic databases such as PsycINFO and MEDline were searched. Study Inclusion Criteria. The inclusion criteria included interventions published in the English language that were focused on either individual- or organizational-level stress management interventions at the workplace, with an outcome evaluation. Data Extraction. Each article was coded on key process-relevant variables, including context, recruitment, reach, dose delivered, dose received, fidelity, implementation, and participant's attitudes toward the intervention. Studies that reported on at least one of these process variables were also coded on the following study characteristics: Participants, setting, evaluation design, intervention content, intervention format, and study outcomes. Data Synthesis. Statistical Package for the Social Science was used to analyze the data with descriptive statistics. Results. Of the 84 studies identified that met the study inclusion criteria, 52 (61.9%) reported findings on at least one of the key relevant process-relevant variables. Variables most frequently included were recruitment (30%), intervention dose received (22%), participants' attitudes toward intervention (19%), and program reach (13%). Fewer than half of the studies presented any findings linking process evaluation and outcome evaluation. Conclusions. The incomplete reporting of information relevant to process evaluation makes it difficult to identify reliable determinants of effective intervention implementation or outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Giardini Murta
- Universidade Católica de Goiás, Psychology (Psicologia), Avenida Universitária, Numero 1069, Setor Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás 7405010, Brazil.
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Demerouti E, van Eeuwijk E, Snelder M, Wild U. Assessing the effects of a “personal effectiveness” training on psychological capital, assertiveness and self‐awareness using self‐other agreement. CAREER DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL 2011. [DOI: 10.1108/13620431111107810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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The psychosocial environment: towards an agenda for research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2008. [DOI: 10.1108/17538350810865596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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van der Klink JJ, Blonk RW, Schene AH, van Dijk FJ. The benefits of interventions for work-related stress. Am J Public Health 2001; 91:270-6. [PMID: 11211637 PMCID: PMC1446543 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.91.2.270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 381] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This quantitative meta-analysis sought to determine the effectiveness of occupational stress-reducing interventions and the populations for which such interventions are most beneficial. METHODS Forty-eight experimental studies (n = 3736) were included in the analysis. Four intervention types were distinguished: cognitive-behavioral interventions, relaxation techniques, multimodal programs, and organization-focused interventions. RESULTS A small but significant overall effect was found. A moderate effect was found for cognitive-behavioral interventions and multimodal interventions, and a small effect was found for relaxation techniques. The effect size for organization-focused interventions was nonsignificant. Effects were most pronounced on the following outcome categories: complaints, psychologic resources and responses, and perceived quality of work life. CONCLUSIONS Stress management interventions are effective. Cognitive-behavioral interventions are more effective than the other intervention types.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J van der Klink
- Coronel Institute, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Stress management and burnout prevention in female blue-collar workers: Theoretical and practical implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STRESS MANAGEMENT 1997. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02765323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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