Evaluation of a Computer-based Stress Management Training Program for Workers’ Psychological Well-being and Work Performance: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a computer-based stress management training (SMT) program in improving employees’ psychological well-being and work performance. A total of 12 work units (N=263) were randomly assigned to either a intervention group (8 work units, n=142) or to a wait-list control group (4 work units, n=121). All participants were requested to answer online questionnaires to assess psychological well-being as a primary outcome, and coping style, social support, and knowledge about stress management as secondary outcomes at baseline (T0), immediately after intervention (T1), and 2 months after intervention (T2). The group × time interaction was tested using mixed-model repeated measures ANOVA. In whole data analysis, we detected a group × time interaction for “knowledge about stress management”. When selecting participants who used more than 3 days to complete the program, group × time interactions were observed on “problem-solving” and “avoidance and suppression” as well as “knowledge about stress management”. Our computer-based stress management program was effective for improving knowledge about stress management. It was also effective for improving coping skills if participants had enough time (at least 3 days) to complete all sessions.