Abstract
Objectives : The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a cognitive behavioral stress management program for civil servants. Methods : We assigned 140 civil servants working in the same public organization to ether an intervention or a waiting list control group, and carried out 3 sessions and self-monitoring in the intervention group with a 4-week interval between sessions. The first session included lectures on stress responses and coping skills, the second session included cognitive restructuring and problem-solving training, and the third session included relaxation and group discussions. The subjects were asked to respond to a self-evaluate questionnaire before starting the intervention. A post-test was conducted immediately after the intervention, and a follow-up test was conducted one month and six months after the intervention. Data from 54 subjects in the intervention group and the 63 subjects in the waiting list group were analyzed using two-way ANCOVA. Results : The intervention group showed statistically significant growth of problem-solving skills, positive cognition and seeking social support. The problem-solving skills and positive cognition with a significant effect remained one month after the intervention. There was a significant difference for problem-solving skills and health competence six months after the intervention. The intervention group showed statistically significant change of interest in stress management behavior. No significant effect was found on stress responses. Conclusions : The stress management intervention of this study appeared effective for improving coping skills. As the number of existing studies on job stress management for workers is limited, further research in this field is necessary.
