American Journal of Public Health, Vol 91, Issue 2 270-276, Copyright © 2001 by American Public Health Association

JOURNAL ARTICLE

The benefits of interventions for work-related stress

JJ van der Klink, RW Blonk, AH Schene and FJ van Dijk
Coronel Institute, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands. jvanderklinik@wish.net

OBJECTIVES: 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.

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