Stop for Stress - a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing an Online and a Group-based Format of an Intervention for Work-related Stress

Stop for Stress - En Sammenligning af Online og Gruppebaseret Behandling for Arbejdsrelateret Stress

Work-related stress is a major public health concern, causing sickness absenteeism and impaired health and well-being. Many afflicted with severe work-related stress will not receive evidence-based treatment due to geographical distance, stigma and unwillingness to participate in a group, creating unequality access to healthcare services. Online interventions show comparable effects to face-to-face interventions and have potential to break down some of these barriers. We have developed and pilot tested the online delivery format of the intervention for work-related stress, Stop for Stress, with promising results. In a two-armed, multicentre randomized controlled trial we aim to 1) compare the effect of the online delivery format and an evidence-based face-to-face group-based format and 2) identify markers of enhanced outcomes in each delivery format. The study will include 220 patients with severe work-related stress (110 from each of two centres) who are randomizes 1:1 to the two interventions. Outcomes consist of self-report measures of psychological symptoms, cognitive functioning, sleep, and perceived working environment and register data on ebsenteeism and return-to-work.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Current employment and significant work-related stressors
• Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) score ≥20 and symptom duration >4 weeks
• In case of full-time sick leave, return to work must be planned concurrent with the intervention
• Access to a computer or tablet with internet connection at home

Exclusion Criteria:

• Interpersonal difficulties, bullying, harassment, violence, threats, and traumatic events as primary stressor
• Severe stressors outside of work
• Symptoms meeting diagnostic criteria for anxiety, depression or severe psychiatric illnesses requiring specialized treatment
• Current abuse of alcohol and/or psychoactive drugs