Abstract
The present study is a review of the effectiveness of preventive stress interventions. First of all, it was tried to determine the effect size of a sample of such interventions. Secondly, it was assessed whether this sample was homogeneous. As a third objective, it was tried to identify some of the working factors, or effect predictors, of the stress interventions. It was hypothesised that the following characteristics would be positively related to effect: carrying out the intervention after working hours, a high-risk target
group, an on site intervention location, a longer intervention duration and the use of multiple methods. Furthermore, a differential effectiveness on the basis of intervention method was expected. Organisational interventions were expected to be equally effective as worker-oriented ones. At follow-up, organisational
interventions were expected to increase in effect relative to worker-oriented ones. Finally, it was expected that the quality of the intervention design would be effect-related. As an additional factor, the effect of publication year was assessed. In order to address the research questions, a meta-analysis was carried
out. Through an extensive literature search, 47 evaluation studies were retrieved. These articles were coded using a specialised coding system. On the basis of their outcomes, a standardised measure of
effect size was calculated. Results showed a medium intervention effect on psychological outcomes. Small effects were found for behavioural outcomes, whereas the effect for cognitive, physiological and organisational measures was very small to zero effects. Due to 5 outlier studies, the sample was heterogeneous. As expected, after work hours programs were (marginally) more effective. Moreover, the quality of the interventions design was positively related to effect. Contrary to the expectations, results
indicated that individual-oriented and off site programs were more effective. Finally, publication year was negatively related to effect. The other results were non-significant. The statistical conclusions were supplemented by a qualitative analysis. This largely confirmed the quantitative findings and suggested a
number of additional factors that appear effect-related. At the end of the study, suggestions for further research are given.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- ABSTRACT
- INTRODUCTION
- CHAPTER 1: THE STRESS PROCESS
- 1.1 Introduction
- 1.2 Strain reactions
- 1.2.1 Physical reactions
- 1.2.2 Behavioural reactions
- 1.2.3 Psychological reactions
- 1.2.4 Societal impact of stress
- 1.3 Stressors
- 1.3.1 Types of stressors
- 1.3.2 Is the presence of stressors on the work flour increasing?
- 1.4 Mediator and moderator variables
- 1.5 An integrative model of the stress process
- 1.5.1 Introduction
- 1.5.2 Description of the model
- CHAPTER 2: STRESS INTERVENTIONS
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Characteristics of prevention programs
- 2.2.1 Actor/program provider
- 2.2.2 Target group
- 2.2.3 Types of goals
- 2.2.4 Risk and protective factors
- 2.2.5 Instruments
- 2.2.6 System level
- 2.2.7 Time aspects
- 2.2.8 Setting of the intervention
- 2.3 Methods for stress reduction
- 2.3.1 Individual methods
- 2.3.2 Organisational methods
- 2.4 Implementing the program
- CHAPTER 3: METHOD
- 3.1 Introduction: Why perform a meta-analysis?
- 3.2 Description of the analysis
- 3.2.1 Research questions
- 3.2.2 Literature search and selection of studies
- 3.2.3 Coding system and procedure
- 3.2.4 Calculations of effect size
- 3.2.5 Analysing, reviewing and interpretation of the results
- CHAPTER 4: RESULTS
- 4.1 Research question A: Magnitude of effect size
- 4.2 Research question B: Homogeneity analysis
- 4.2 Research question C: Decisions on research hypotheses
- 4.2.1 Quantitative analysis
- 4.2.2 Qualitative analysis
- CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION
- 5.1 Overview of results
- 5.1.1 Research question A: Magnitude of effect size
- 5.1.2 Research question B: Homogeneity analysis
- 5.1.3 Research question C: Decisions on research hypotheses
- 5.2 Implications for prevention theory
- 5.2.1 Earlier effect reviews
- 5.2.2 Implications for effect hypotheses
- 5.3 Limitations of the study
- 5.3.1 Ambiguities in the coding procedure
- 5.3.2 Small sample
- 5.3.3 Keeping the outliers in the quantitative analysis
- 5.3.4 Validity of the qualitative analysis
- 5.4 Recommendations for future theory and practice
- 5.4.1 Implications for future studies
- 5.4.2 Implications for stress and intervention theory
- 5.4.3 Implications for future practice
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to provide a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of preventive stress interventions by conducting a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the existing research. The study aims to assess the overall effect size of these interventions, examine the homogeneity of effects across different studies, and explore potential predictors of intervention effectiveness.
- The stress process and its components (stressors, strain reactions, mediator and moderator variables)
- Characteristics of preventive stress interventions (actor/program provider, target group, goals, risk and protective factors, instruments, system level, time aspects, setting)
- Methods for stress reduction (individual and organisational methods)
- Meta-analytic methodology for examining the effectiveness of preventive stress interventions
- Implications for prevention theory and practice based on the findings of the review
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1 provides an overview of the stress process, outlining the major components involved, including stressors, strain reactions, and mediating and moderating variables. It also discusses the societal impact of stress and explores the increasing prevalence of stressors in the workplace. Chapter 2 delves into the characteristics of preventive stress interventions, examining various aspects such as target groups, goals, risk factors, and implementation strategies. The chapter also presents different methods for stress reduction, encompassing both individual and organisational approaches. Chapter 3 outlines the methodological approach employed in the study, which includes a meta-analysis of existing research on preventive stress interventions. It details the literature search and selection process, coding system, effect size calculations, and the analytical procedures used for interpreting the results. Chapter 4 presents the results of the meta-analysis, focusing on the magnitude of effect size, homogeneity analysis, and decisions made regarding the research hypotheses. This chapter explores both quantitative and qualitative findings, providing a comprehensive overview of the results.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary focus of this work lies in understanding the effectiveness of preventive stress interventions. Key areas of investigation include stress process, stressors, strain reactions, preventive interventions, meta-analysis, effect size, homogeneity analysis, and implications for theory and practice. The study examines both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a thorough examination of the effectiveness of preventive stress interventions and their potential impact on individual and societal well-being.
- Quote paper
- Jaap Denissen (Author), 2001, Effectiveness of Preventative Stress Intervention, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1477
