Abstract
Depressive symptoms are a serious problem in workplaces. Hospital staff members, such as newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs), are at particularly increased risk of these symptoms owing to their limited experience. Previous studies have shown that a brief program-based cognitive behavioral therapy program (CBP) can offer effective treatment. Here, we conducted a longitudinal observational study of 683 NLRNs (CBP group, n = 522; no-CBP group, n = 181) over a period of 1 year (six times surveys were done during this period). Outcomes were assessed on the basis of surveys that covered the Beck Depression Inventory-I (BDI). The independent variables were CBP attendance (CBP was conducted 3 months after starting work), personality traits, personal stressful life events, workplace adversity, and pre-CBP change in BDI in the 3 months before CBP (ΔBDIpre-CBP). All factors were included in Cox proportional hazards models with time-dependent covariates for depressive symptoms (BDI ≥10), and we reported hazard ratios (HRs). Based on this analysis, we detected that CBP was significantly associated with benefit for depressive symptoms in all NLRNs (Puncorrected = 0.0137, HR = 0.902). To identify who benefitted most from CBP, we conducted a subgroup analysis based on the change in BDI before CBP (ΔBDIpre-CBP). The strongest association was when BDI scores were low after starting work and increased before CBP (Puncorrected = 0.00627, HR = 0.616). These results are consistent with previous findings, and indicate that CBP may benefit the mental health of NLRNs. Furthermore, selective prevention based on the pattern of BDI change over time may be important in identifying who should be offered CBP first. Although CBP is generally effective for all nurses, such a selective approach may be most appropriate where cost-effectiveness is a prominent concern.
Highlights
A deterioration in subjective well-being, or the onset of depressive symptoms, is a worldwide challenge in many workplaces
We analyzed longitudinal data for newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) in Japan based on reported depressive symptoms. This was an observational study, we considered that it was possible to speculate on the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy program (CBP) by comparing the psychological distress scores on the Beck Depression Inventory-I (BDI-I) between subjects who did or did not attend CBP sessions
There was only a significant association with CBP in the low-to-high ΔBDIpre-CBP group, which was expected given these were most sensitive to stressors (P = 0.00627; Table 2). This longitudinal observational survey with follow-up every 3 months confirmed that CBP [13, 14], neuroticism [20, 21], and recent workplace adversity were associated with depressive
Summary
A deterioration in subjective well-being, or the onset of depressive symptoms, is a worldwide challenge in many workplaces Such conditions are very common [1] and have significant economic, productivity, and quality of life implications, especially if workers develop depression [2]. As newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) tend to be young and have less experience, they may lack the skills and confidence to cope with workplace stress. This may place them at higher risk of depressive symptoms or worse well-being [7]. Improved training in coping skills could help to maintain well-being in this group, protecting them against psychologic distress, depression, and burnout
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
