The benefits of interventions for work-related stress.
OBJECTIVE
This quantitative meta-analysis sought to determine the effectiveness of occupational stress-reducing interventions and the populations for which such interventions are most beneficial.


METHODS
Forty-eight experimental studies (n = 3736) were included in the analysis. Four intervention types were distinguished: cognitive-behavioral interventions, relaxation techniques, multimodal programs, and organization-focused interventions.


RESULTS
A small but significant overall effect was found. A moderate effect was found for cognitive-behavioral interventions and multimodal interventions, and a small effect was found for relaxation techniques. The effect size for organization-focused interventions was nonsignificant. Effects were most pronounced on the following outcome categories: complaints, psychologic resources and responses, and perceived quality of work life.


CONCLUSIONS
Stress management interventions are effective. Cognitive-behavioral interventions are more effective than the other intervention types.
van der Klink
J J
JJ
Coronel Institute, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Box 22660, 1100 DD  Amsterdam, The Netherlands. jvanderklinik@wish.net
Blonk
R W
RW
Schene
A H
AH
van Dijk
F J
FJ
D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015987:Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012107:Research Design; D012307:Risk Factors