Effectiveness of Digital and Analog Stress Management Interventions within Occupational Health Management in the Public Sector

Runa Maj Fasthoff, Lea Nolte () and Timo Kortsch
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Runa Maj Fasthoff: Institute of Psychology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
Lea Nolte: Institute of Psychology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
Timo Kortsch: Department of Health and Social Work, IU International University, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Merits, 2023, vol. 3, issue 4, 1-25

Abstract: Stress increases among the working population in Germany. Workplace stress management interventions are therefore becoming increasingly important, especially in the public sector, which has a higher structural risk for work-related stress than other organizations. Currently, face-to-face formats dominate, but promising digital offerings are being developed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a stress management intervention as a face-to-face and self-guided digital format, referring to the Job Demands-Resources Model. The preregistered study applied a randomized control group design in which N = 65 public service employees were assigned to face-to-face training, an online course, or waitlist control group. Participants completed online questionnaires before the intervention, shortly after the intervention, and six weeks later. Although trends for reductions in emotional exhaustion and perceived stress were evident among the intervention groups, mixed analyses of variance showed no interaction effects between the time and group on the outcomes. The main effects showed a significant decrease in stress levels regardless of the group and significant differences between intervention groups, with the online course reporting the lowest stress level. The results indicate that digital and analog stress management interventions can have desired effects within occupational health management. However, many unpredictable events (e.g., illness, vacation during the intervention) seem to influence the effectiveness in the workplace setting, and so further research is needed.

Keywords: stress management; work engagement; online course; face-to-face training; public sector; workplace prevention; Job Demands-Resources Model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J L M (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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