Repeated measures analyses of variance failed to demonstrate support for the hypothesis that individuals in (wait-list condition) WLC group compared to IP and CB groups would rate themselves as experiencing less stress/more control over stress in their lives (global stress) immediately following completion of the program.

Boston University

Both IB and CB intervention produced individuals with significant reduction in subjectively reported stress (SUDS) following mini-relaxations. While individuals in CB group reported less dramatic SUDS reduction, reduction in stress is highly significant, meaning it might not be as effective but is still valuable and cost effective way of reaching individuals who don't have access. Attrition (drop-out rates) was high in all groups. The 2nd and 3rd hypotheses (individuals would experience reductions in globally measured indices of distress immediately after completing intervention and 1 month later) were not supported. 

Conclusion: Group-based vs. Computer-based Stress-management Intervention

Eisen, K. P., Allen, G. J., Bollash, M., & Pescatello, L. S. (2008). Stress management in the workplace: A comparison of a computer-based and an in-person stress-management intervention. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(2), 486–496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2007.02.003


Stress management in the workplace: A comparison of a computer-based and an in-person stress-management intervention

Short-term Effects of Stress Management on Global Indices of Stress

Individuals in both groups reported highly significant decrease in SUDS (subjective distress) from beginning to the end of each session of stress intervention, with 2 sessions in total. Individuals also reported experiencing significantly greater reduction in SUDS in session 2 than in session 1, suggesting that the mini-relaxation grew more effective with practice. Individuals assigned to IP group experienced greater reduction in SUDS during both sessions than individuals in the CB group.


Short-term Effects of Relaxation on Subjective Distress and Global Stress


The 3rd hypothesis was that individuals in IP and CB groups would rate themselves as experiencing less stress in their lives/more control over stress lobal stress) than individuals in the WLC (wait-list condition) group. However, repeated measure analyses of variance failed to support hypothesis. 

Longer-term Outcomes on Global Indices of Stress

Attrition (drop-out rates) in the experiment were actually high, although IP group completion rates significantly higher than for CB groups. The only significant difference between dropouts and completers was dropouts report a stronger need for additional help in managing workplace demands.


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