Work-related Stress Management Research Articles

Personal resources for addressing the work demands of Ukrainian oncologists in stressful crisis situations

BackgroundMany work-related stresses are experienced by oncologists. Ukraine is currently undergoing numerous crises, including the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and military conflicts, which represent stressful situations. The aim of this study was to explore the personal resources that Ukrainian oncologists use to cope with work demands in a situation featuring manifold crises. This study identified the ways in which people deal with stressful situations and the roles that they play in shaping the challenging situations that they encounter (work-related behavior) as well as how they cope with stress (stress management).MethodsForty oncologists (18 men and 22 women) working in a clinic in Kharkiv (Ukraine) with an average age of 46.3 ± 13.37 years (ranging from 26 to 74 years) participated in this study. The occupational psychological survey consisted of the Work-Related Behavior and Experience Patterns (German: Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster, AVEM) questionnaire, which was developed by Schaarschmidt and Fischer, and the Differential Stress Inventory (DSI), which was developed by Léfevre and Kubinger.Results65% of oncologists exhibited AVEM risk pattern A or B. No gender differences were observed with regard to the distribution of AVEM patterns. Women obtained significantly higher scores than did men on only one dimension: experience of social support (4.86 vs. 3.44; p = 0.045). When the DSI categories were differentiated by gender, no significant differences were observed. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a medium-sized correlation between perfection striving and palliative coping (ρ = 0.404).ConclusionsFew gender-based differences in work-related behaviors, experiences, and stress management strategies are evident among oncologists. AVEM risk patterns are more prevalent among Ukrainian oncologists than among comparable occupational groups, and interventions in the context of health management are recommended.

The influence of supportive work environment on work-related stress and conflict management style among emergency care nurses: A descriptive correlational study.

Stress and conflict in emergency departments are inevitable but can be managed. A supportive work environment is key to helping emergency care providers, especially nurses, constructively manage work-related stress and conflict. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of supportive work environments on work-related stress and conflict management style among emergency care nurses. A descriptive correlational research design was utilized. Data were collected from 221 staff nurses recruited from two university hospital emergency departments in Alexandria, Egypt. Three instruments were used: (1) perceived organizational support scale, (2) nurses' occupational stressors scale, and (3) conflict management style inventory. There was a highly significant correlation between supportive work environments and work-related stress (p = .000) and a significant correlation between supportive work environments and conflict management style (p = .026). Supportive work environments had a significant inverse negative relationship with work-related stress experienced by nurses (p = .001) and accounted for 51% of variance in work-related stress. Meanwhile, supportive work environments had a significant positive relationship with conflict management styles of nurses (p = .026). Work-related stress had a significant relationship with nurses' conflict management style (p = .000) and accounted for 45% of the variance in conflict management style. The style of conflict management modeled by staff within emergency departments can positively or negatively influence the work environment and level of work-related stress. There is a necessity to cultivate a supportive culture for nurses in emergency departments to develop skills for constructive conflict management styles to reduce work-related stress.

The activity of the speech therapist at the time of COVID 19: survey of the Campania region

Our government has enacted restrictive and isolation measures, also in the field of rehabilitation, to combat and contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These have had a major impact on the working methods and activities performed by the Speech Therapist. The Board of Speech Therapists of the Interprovincial Order of NA-AV-BN-CE conducted an anonymous survey to observe the phenomenon. The study aimed to assess how and to what extent the health measures in place influenced occupational activities and work-related discomfort. A questionnaire was structured to investigate, anonymously, different areas of professional interest (how therapeutic activities are carried out, work-related stress management, changes in human relations, specific needs), disseminated via the web thanks to the Google platform, and available from 15/06/2020 to 15/11/2022 for all speech therapists belonging to the interprovincial order of NA-AV-BN-CE. 161 Speech Therapists, aged between 21 and 40 years (73.9 per cent), took part in the survey. They worked mainly in a combined telerehabilitation and outpatient setting (64.12 per cent), and were provided with appropriate PPE for the treatment (65.8 per cent). Speech and language therapists reported a low to medium level of frustration (63.9%) and work-related stress (63.4%) for telerehabilitation treatment, to a high level for outpatient or home treatment (69.6%). Medium to high values (81.4%) of anxiety, worry and work-related distress are reported, favoured by social isolation and a perception of less support among colleagues, with a perceived need for psychological support from specialised figures to manage the emotional burden. The results suggest a medium to high level of work-related discomfort during the pandemic period, mainly for speech therapists who performed outpatient/domiciliary activities, entailing the risk of developing psychological distress. Further research should be undertaken, with multicentre and larger sample size studies, to define the relationships between the working methods promoted, work-related stress and the need to manage it.

Organizational and Individual Interventions for Managing Work-Related Stress in Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review.

The workplace represents a relevant source of stress for workers, being a risk factor for many mental disorders and psychological difficulties, including burn-out syndrome. Healthcare workers and other help-professions are particularly susceptible to work-related stress. The present systematic review aims to (1) identify available interventions for managing workplace-related stress symptoms; (2) assess their efficacy; and (3) discuss the current limitations of available interventions. A systematic review has been conducted, searching on PubMed, APA PsycInfo, and Scopus databases. Eighteen papers have been identified, which included different interventions for the management of work-related stress in healthcare professionals. These approaches can be grouped as follows: (1) interventions focusing on the individual level using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches; (2) interventions focusing on the individual level using relaxation techniques; and (3) interventions focusing on the organizational level. As regards interventions targeting the individual level using CBT approaches, mindfulness-based interventions were effective in reducing levels of burn-out, stress, and anxiety and in improving quality of life. As regards intervention using relaxation techniques, including art therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques (ECT) and brief resilience retreats had a positive effect on the levels of anxiety, stress, and burnout. As regards interventions at the organizational level, we found no evidence for supporting its effectiveness in reducing the levels of burnout. Furthermore, available studies are heterogeneous in terms of assessment tools, target populations, and type of interventions, which limits the generalizability of findings.

Level of fear towards COVID-19 and its determinants among healthcare providers in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study.

Malaysia is one of the hardest-hit countries by COVID-19 in Asia. The rapidly rising number of cases had sparked fear among healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the determinants of fear towards COVID-19 among healthcare providers in primary care settings. This online-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1280 healthcare providers aged ≥18 years from 30 primary care clinics in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to assess the level of fear, and the results were analysed using multiple linear regression. The mean age of the respondents was 36 years, and the mean working experience was 11 years. The majority of the respondents were women (82.4%) and Malays (82.3%). The factors that were significantly correlated with higher levels of fear were underlying chronic disease (ß=1.12, P=0.002, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.08, 3.15), concern about mortality from COVID-19 (ß=3.3, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.19, 7.22), higher risk of exposure (ß=0.8, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.14, 5.91), concern for self at work (ß=2.8, P=0.002, 95% CI=0.08, 3.10) and work as a nurse (ß=3.6, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.30, 7.52), medical laboratory worker (ß=3.0, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.12, 4.27) and healthcare assistant (ß=3.9, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.17, 5.73). The level of fear was inversely correlated with a higher work-related stress management score (ß=-0.9, P<0.001, 95% CI=-0.14, -5.07) and a higher sleep quality score (ß=-1.8, P<0.001, 95% CI=-0.28, -10.41). Family physicians should be vigilant and identify healthcare providers at risk of developing COVID-19-related fear to initiate early mental health intervention.

Analysis of Emotional Intelligence and Work Stress on Nurse Performance at Rsi Darus Syifa’ Surabaya

The significance of performance in generating human resources needs to be supported by employees' emotional intelligence and effective work-related stress management. This is essential for employees to effectively master and responsibly execute their tasks. The objective of this research is to determine the influence of emotional intelligence and work-related stress on the performance of nurses at RSI Darus Syifa' Surabaya. The sampling technique employed was probability sampling, specifically the simple random sampling technique utilizing the Slovin Formula. This resulted in a sample size of 51 nurses being selected. The research method employed for this research is a quantitative research method. The data analysis technique utilized in this research is Partial Least Squares (PLS). The research findings indicate that emotional intelligence and work-related stress have an impact on the performance of nurses at RSI Darus Syifa' Surabaya.

Predictive factors of sleep quality and burnout in nurses working in transplant units during the COVID-19 lockdown – A cross-sectional study

Background: There is minimal information regarding sleep disturbance and burnout during COVID-19 in nurses working within haematology-oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) settings. Aim: To identify socio-demographic and professional factors that predicted burnout and sleep disturbance during COVID-19 in nurses working in HSCT settings. Design/Methods: Data were collected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Descriptive statistics and linear regression examined relationships. Results: 308 responses were received. Nurses working in outpatient settings had greater emotional exhaustion (Rpartial = −0.12, n = 308, p = 0.03). Negative predictors for quality of sleep were transplant programme setting (Rpartial = −0.19, n = 308, p < 0.01) and years working in HSCT (Rpartial = −0.17, n = 308, p < 0.01). Other relationships were found on univariate analysis. Conclusion: Institutions must offer programmes for nurses to develop sleep strategies, self-care, and work-related stress management.

Work-related stress, stress reactions and coping strategies in ambulance nurses: A qualitative interview study.

To describe experiences of work-related stress, stress reactions and coping strategies among registered nurses (RNs) in the ambulance service (AS). A descriptive and qualitative design. Participants were recruited from eight different ambulance stations from different geographical locations in central Sweden. Data were collected from 14 RNs during the period from January 2022 to May 2022 using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse data using an abductive approach. Three categories describe the RNs' experiences; (1) Situations that cause work-related stress, (2) Reactions and feelings that occur and (3) Management of work-related stress. These three main categories included a total of 12 subcategories. Work-related stress was experienced when participants were a part of traumatic events or experienced insufficient cooperation or a disturbing event in the work environment. The different causes lead to different kinds of reactions with feelings of frustration, fear and loneliness being prominent. To manage the work-related stress, RNs used different kinds of strategies and support from colleagues or lack thereof seemed to have a major impact. Findings revealed the importance of having competent colleagues in the AS. Working with a competent colleague can reduce experiences of stress and prevent feelings of loneliness. It is important for the AS to provide stress-reduction support, to promote cooperation and to maintain and develop RNs' professional competence to ensure quality care and patient safety in the AS.

Work-related stress and stress management practice among Chinese hospital staff working night shifts: A mixed-methods study.

Work-related stress and stress management practice among Chinese hospital staff working night shifts: A mixed-methods study.

Assessment of the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain in operating room health workers: An observational study in Italy

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among healthprofessionals and the possible risk factors.&#x0D; Methods: The study was carried out from April 2018 to October 2018 among all health workers of theOrthopaedic Clinic and the Emergency Department of “Policlinico Umberto I” in Rome. LBP wasassessed using the Nordic Questionnaire Musculoskeletal Disorders in the section on lumbar pain.The type of physical activity carried out as prevention was investigated by use of theInternational Physical Activity Questionnaires. The overall state of health and lifestyle wasdeter- mined by the Short Form 12-item Health Survey. Job satisfaction and perceived work stresswere assessed through the 15-questions of Karasek’s Questionnaire. The intensity of the low backpain was assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale. A univariate analysis was conducted to assess theassociations between socio-demographic and working variables. Multiple logistic regression mod- elswere used to assess independent correlates of LBP.&#x0D; Results: One hundred thirteen subjects were enrolled, 52 women and 61 men. The annual period-prevalence of lumbar musculoskeletal disorder was found on 79.6% of participants with LBP.Mean value evidence of NRS was 2.66. The highest LBP risk over the 12 months was found in groupswith high job demand (OR = 1.18; 95%CI: 1.01 – 1.38), low decision-making opportunities (fordecision latitude OR = 0.87; (0-76 – 1.0), and low levels of physical activity (OR = 0.75; 95%CI:0.64 – 0.89).&#x0D; Conclusion: The working environment is a potential risk factor for the development of LBP and issuitable for prevention programmes. The protective effect of physical activity and work-relatedstress management indicate room for improvements for the prevention of LBP in these HCWs.&#x0D; Conflicts of interest: None declared.

Supplemental Material for Work-Related Stress and Stress Management Practice Among Chinese Hospital Staff Working Night Shifts: A Mixed-Methods Study

Supplemental Material for Work-Related Stress and Stress Management Practice Among Chinese Hospital Staff Working Night Shifts: A Mixed-Methods Study

The activity of the speech therapist at the time of COVID 19: survey of the Campania region

Our government has enacted restrictive and isolation measures, also in the field of rehabilitation, to combat andcontain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These have had a major impact on the working methods and activitiesperformed by the Speech Therapist. The Board of Speech Therapists of the Interprovincial Order of NA-AV-BN-CEconducted an anonymous survey to observe the phenomenon.The study aimed to assess how and to what extent the health measures in place influenced occupational activities andwork-related discomfort.A questionnaire was structured to investigate, anonymously, different areas of professional interest (how therapeuticactivities are carried out, work-related stress management, changes in human relations, specific needs), disseminatedvia the web thanks to the Google platform, and available from 15/06/2020 to 15/11/2022 for all speech therapistsbelonging to the interprovincial order of NA-AV-BN-CE.161 Speech Therapists, aged between 21 and 40 years (73.9 per cent), took part in the survey. They worked mainly ina combined telerehabilitation and outpatient setting (64.12 per cent), and were provided with appropriate PPE for thetreatment (65.8 per cent). Speech and language therapists reported a low to medium level of frustration (63.9%) andwork-related stress (63.4%) for telerehabilitation treatment, to a high level for outpatient or home treatment (69.6%).Medium to high values (81.4%) of anxiety, worry and work-related distress are reported, favoured by social isolationand a perception of less support among colleagues, with a perceived need for psychological support from specialisedfigures to manage the emotional burden.The results suggest a medium to high level of work-related discomfort during the pandemic period, mainly for speechtherapists who performed outpatient/domiciliary activities, entailing the risk of developing psychological distress.Further research should be undertaken, with multicentre and larger sample size studies, to define the relationshipsbetween the working methods promoted, work-related stress and the need to manage it.

Mortality of Suicide and Cerebro-Cardiovascular Diseases by Occupation in Korea, 1997-2020.

Although studies on occupational mortality have been conducted in Korea, the results for occupations with high mortality around 2010 are inconsistent. This study aimed to examine occupational mortality from overwork-related suicide and cerebro-cardiovascular diseases (CCVD) from 1997 to 2020. We used microdata of the Causes of Death Statistics (CDS) and Economically Active Population Survey (EAPS) to obtain indirect standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and standardized proportional mortality ratio (PMR) of suicide (X60–X84) and CCVD deaths (I20–I25 and I60–I69) by gender and eight occupational categories. The trend of SMR of suicide and CCVD by occupation was similar within individual genders. The SMR of managers (MNG) was the highest for men and women in 2012–2017 and 2008–2020, respectively, whereas the SMR of professionals and related workers (PRF) was consistently low. Despite the similar socioeconomic status of MNG and PRF, we suggest that their mortality should be analyzed separately in Korea. SMR of suicide and CCVD in female MNG were consistently highest, although the PMR was low. Female MNG may have been more directly affected by the economic crisis. There is a need for work-related stress management, early intervention, and prevention policies in occupations vulnerable to mortality.

A Technology-Assisted Telephone Intervention for Work-Related Stress Management: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundStress management interventions combining technology with human involvement have the potential to improve the cost-effectiveness of solely human-delivered interventions, but few randomized controlled trials exist for assessing the cost-effectiveness of technology-assisted human interventions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether a technology-assisted telephone intervention for stress management is feasible for increasing mental well-being or decreasing the time use of coaches (as an approximation of intervention cost) while maintaining participants’ adherence and satisfaction compared with traditional telephone coaching.MethodsA 2-arm, pilot randomized controlled trial of 9 months for stress management (4-month intensive and 5-month maintenance phases) was conducted. Participants were recruited on the web through a regional occupational health care provider and randomized equally to a research (technology-assisted telephone intervention) and a control (traditional telephone intervention) group. The coaching methodology was based on habit formation, motivational interviewing, and the transtheoretical model. For the research group, technology supported both coaches and participants in identifying behavior change targets, setting the initial coaching plan, monitoring progress, and communication. The pilot outcome was intervention feasibility, measured primarily by self-assessed mental well-being (WorkOptimum index) and self-reported time use of coaches and secondarily by participants’ adherence and satisfaction.ResultsA total of 49 eligible participants were randomized to the research (n=24) and control (n=25) groups. Most participants were middle-aged (mean 46.26, SD 9.74 years) and female (47/49, 96%). Mental well-being improved significantly in both groups (WorkOptimum from “at risk” to “good” Â>0.85; P<.001), and no between-group differences were observed in the end (Â=0.56, 95% CI 0.37-0.74; P=.56). The total time use of coaches did not differ significantly between the groups (366.0 vs 343.0 minutes, Â=0.60, 95% CI 0.33-0.85; P=.48). Regarding adherence, the dropout rate was 13% (3/24) and 24% (6/25), and the mean adherence rate to coaching calls was 92% and 86% for the research and control groups, respectively; the frequency of performing coaching tasks was similar for both groups after both phases; and the diligence in performing the tasks during the intensive phase was better for the research group (5.0 vs 4.0, Â=0.58, 95% CI 0.51-0.65; P=.03), but no difference was observed during the maintenance phase. Satisfaction was higher in the research group during the intensive phase (5.0 vs 4.0, Â=0.66, 95% CI 0.58-0.73; P<.001) but not during the maintenance phase.ConclusionsThe technology-assisted telephone intervention is feasible with some modifications, as it had similar preliminary effectiveness as the traditional telephone intervention, and the participants had better satisfaction with and similar or better adherence to the intervention, but it did not reduce the time use of coaches. The technology should be improved to provide more digested information for action planning and templates for messaging.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02445950; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT02445950

Work-related Stress Management Behaviors of Nurses During COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Arab Emirates.

IntroductionIntense psychological and emotional stress experienced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic interferes with their wellbeing and work efficiency. Stress-management behaviors are required to enhance coping and ameliorate stress effects. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the management behavior of nurses during the pandemic to suggest ways to improve their wellbeing.ObjectiveThe study aimed to examine nurses’ work-related stress management behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in UAE.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey of 64 nurses working in the Isolation and Intensive care units of two selected hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. A convenience sampling technique was used for sample selection. Each participant completed an online survey via Google forms of two validated instruments: a 10-item scale to measure perceived stress levels and a 15-item Stress management inventory. The completed questionnaires were analyzed on SPSS version 25.ResultsRespondents (78.1%) reported a moderate level of stress (Mean = 18.03 and SD = 5.33). Stress management behaviors utilized included four elements (eliminating stressors, developing resilience, using short-term coping, and effective delegating) and the mean and SD were 17.62 ± 2.6, 17.42 ± 3.3, 8.88 ± 1.47, and 23.98 ± 3.54 respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between these four elements of stress management inventory (p = 0.00). Findings also showed a significant inverse correlation between the scores on perceived stress, short-term coping, and effective delegation. The overall regression of demographic covariates on stress management behaviors was not statistically significant [F = (1.015), (0.602), (0.909), (1.286), p >0.05].ConclusionsEffective delegating and developing resilience were effective stress management behavior among nurses. Regular assessment of the psychological needs of nurses is essential to enhance overall wellbeing during stressful situations.

Occupational health management of work-related stress: guidelines versus practice.

BackgroundWork-related stress, anxiety and depression (WRSAD) are common, overlapping mental health problems burdened with major medical, occupational, institutional and societal implications. Current occupational health (OH) management of WRSAD is based on clinical and managerial guidelines and individual risk assessment.AimsThe study sought to identify patterns of OH advice in WRSAD and the relationships between the OH advice, available evidence, experience and expertise of the OH doctors (OHDs).MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 101 first-time OH consultations for WRSAD by nine OHDs.ResultsThe three most common OH interventions included follow-up OH consultations, adjusted duties and referrals for counselling. All OHDs preferred a light-touch approach but the less experienced and qualified OHDs were more proactive and prescriptive.ConclusionsIn the absence of a specific occupational medical guideline for the management of WRSAD, the OH interventions may be guided by clinical guidelines, individual risk assessment, the client’s circumstances or the experience, expertise and preferences of the OHDs. In the study group, OH interventions were under-utilized and not consistently applied. Our findings support the argument for OH guideline for WRSAD to improve the consistency and effectiveness of OH interventions. This is important given the scale of the problem and the recent increase in WRSAD during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meaningful gamification for psychological empowerment: exploring user affective experience mirroring in a psychological self-help system

PurposeInspired by the dynamic changes in our daily lives enabled via quantified-self technologies and the urgent need for more studies on the human-computer interaction design mechanisms adopted by these applications, this study explores the value of user affective experience mirroring and examines the empowerment effect of meaningful gamification in a psychological self-help system (PSS) that aids people in work stress relief.Design/methodology/approachBased on an analysis of the existing systems and theories in relevant fields, we conducted mixed-method research, involving semi-structured interviews, experience sampling experiments and user bio data triangulations, to identify the benefits of user affective experience mirroring and examine the impact of visual impact metaphor–based (VIM) meaningful gamification on PSS users.FindingsFor a gamified PSS, users generally perceive VIM as arousing more feelings of enjoyment, empathy, trust and usefulness, empowering them to gain more mastery and control over their emotional well-beings, especially with relieving their occupational stress and upbringing their level of perceived happiness. Overtime, VIM-based meaningful gamification further boosts such value of a PSS.Research limitations/implicationsWeaving together meaningful gamification and psychological empowerment theories, the results emphasized that successful empowerment of user through gamification in PSSs relies heavily on whether a deeper and meaningful affective connection can be established with the users, in short, “meaningful gamification for psychological empowerment”. Such an understanding, as demonstrated in our research framework, also sheds light on the design theories for persuasive technology and human influence tactics during human computer interactions.Practical implicationsThe results of the study demonstrate to practitioners how to make the best use of gamification strategies to deeply relate to and resonate with users. Even without complicated game-play design, meaningful gamification mechanisms, such as VIM facilitate the empowerment of users while gaining their appreciation, establishing a deeper connection with them and eventually generating persuasive effects on intended future behavioural outcomes.Social implicationsThe effective management of work-related stress with handy tools such as a VIM-based PSS can be beneficial for many organizations and, to a large extent, the society.Originality/valueThis study proposed and empirically demonstrated the empowerment effect of meaningful gamification for PSS users. In this cross-disciplinary study, theories from different research domains were synthesized to develop a more thorough and multi-faceted understanding of the optimal design strategies for emerging information systems like this VIM-based PSS.

Effectiveness of Workplace Yoga Interventions to Reduce Perceived Stress in Employees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Work-related stress represents a relevant public health issue and solution strategies are mandatory. Yoga is a common approach to manage stress and its effectiveness has been extensively confirmed. Therefore, this study aims systematically to review the effectiveness of Yoga interventions carried out at workplace on work-related stress among employees and to assess their impact quantitatively. Springerlink, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL and PEDro databases were searched. Clinical trials comparing workplace Yoga interventions to control groups, and evaluating perceived stress as outcome measure, were assessed for eligibility. All forms and styles of Yoga were considered for the analysis. Out of 3392 initially identified, 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis; 266 participants practicing Yoga interventions at worksite were compared to 221 subjects in control group. Included studies showed “some concerns” about different domains of source of bias. Quantitative analysis showed an overall effect size of −0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.86, −0.49] in favor of Yoga intervention in reducing stress outcome measures. Hence, workplace Yoga interventions were more effective when compared to no treatment in work-related stress management. Further high-quality studies are needed to improve the validity of these results and to specify more characteristics of the Yoga intervention, such as style, volume, and frequency.

Educational needs of employees in work-related stress management.

Dynamic and intense socio-economic, scientific and technological development has both positive and negative effects on the business world. Due to increasing problems of work-related stress, the issue of stress management has arisen. Primary stress management and proactive interventions in work-related stress prevention are specifically activated. In this regard, the issue of educational needs of employees for the prevention of work-related stress is of particular importance. The basic concern that has drawn our attention is whether employees generally show the desire and need to adopt the knowledge in the field of work-related stress prevention and relief and whether they are supported by the management of their business organization. We used several methods to conduct this research: survey, scaling and comparative method. The comparative method was used for the analysis of legal documents in the field of occupational safety and health in six Balkan countries with the aim of determining the legal obligations of employers in managing workplace stress. The research population consisted of employees in small and medium-sized enterprises in the city of Kraljevo (the Republic of Serbia), while the research sample was determined by a random sampling method and included 450 respondents. Despite the recommendations of international organizations, the employers in most countries are not legally bound to deal with work-related stress management. The results have shown that there is a correlation between work-related risks/stressors and educational needs of employees for learning or acquiring knowledge in the field of work-related stress prevention. Employees express the desire to become acquainted with the possibilities of overcoming work-related stress. Employees' education and training have an invaluable role and considerable importance in primary, work-related stress management. The knowledge about the causes and mechanisms of work-related stress development is an important step towards its prevention. The research has shown that employees express the need for acquiring knowledge to prevent stress at work. In this regard, it is necessary to provide legally binding support of the manager in order to undertake the activities of work-related stress management. Interventions should target work-related stress at its source with a focus on prevention rather than an individual approach whose long-term benefits are uncertain.

Professional training in mental health self-care for nurses starting work in hospital departments.

Nurses working in hospitals can suffer from occupational stress due to high workloads and low job and/or personal resources. This can lead to work-related stress, exhaustion, health problems, and low quality of care. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of work-related self-care skill training for nurses. A pilot study was conducted with 94 nurses in hospital departments in Germany. Nurses were either assigned to the intervention group that received competence training or to a waitlist control group. The intervention took place in groups over a period of 12 weeks. Training content included i.e. work-related stress management training, problem-solving techniques, and solution-focused counselling. The outcomes studied were changes in work-related stress, emotional exhaustion, emotion regulation, and job satisfaction. Three follow-up assessments were arranged. Nurses in the IG achieved a decrease in perceived job stress and emotional exhaustion as well as improvements with regard to enhanced emotion regulation skills. The intervention was evaluated with high satisfaction scores. This study showed first indications that training of mental health self-care skills for junior nurses could be a supportive approach for nurses starting work in hospital departments. However, replication studies are needed to verify the results.