A web-based approach to managing stress and mood disorders in the workforce.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based multimedia health promotion program for the workplace, designed to help reduce stress and to prevent depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.


METHODS
Using a randomized controlled trial design, 309 working adults were randomly assigned to the web-based condition or to a wait-list control condition. All participants were assessed on multiple self-reported outcomes at pretest and posttest.


RESULTS
Relative to controls, the web-based group reduced their stress, increased their knowledge of depression and anxiety, developed more positive attitudes toward treatment, and adopted a more healthy approach to alcohol consumption.


CONCLUSIONS
We found that a brief and easily adaptable web-based stress management program can simultaneously reduce worker stress and address stigmatized behavioral health problems by embedding this prevention material into a more positive stress management framework.
Billings
Douglas W
DW
ISA Associates, Inc., 201 North Union Street, Suite 330, Alexandria, VA 22314-2650, USA. dbillings@isagroup.com
Cook
Royer F
RF
Hendrickson
April
A
Dove
David C
DC
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D004526:Efficiency; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D016272:Occupational Health; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult