Efficacy of an Internet-based problem-solving training for teachers: Results of a randomized controlled trial

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

Objective The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the efficacy of internet-based problem-solving training (iPST) for employees in the educational sector (teachers) with depressive symptoms. The results of training were compared to those of a waitlist control group (WLC). Methods One-hundred and fifty teachers with elevated depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, CES-D ≥16) were assigned to either the iPST or WLC group. The iPST consisted of five lessons, including problem-solving and rumination techniques. Symptoms were assessed before the intervention began and in follow-up assessments after seven weeks, three months, and six months. The primary outcome was depressive symptom severity (CES-D). Secondary outcomes included general and work-specific self-efficacy, perceived stress, pathological worries, burnout symptoms, general physical and mental health, and absenteeism. Results iPST participants displayed a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms after the intervention (d=0.59, 95% CI 0.26-0.92), after three months (d=0.37, 95% CI 0.05-0.70) and after six months (d=0.38, 95% CI 0.05-0.70) compared to the control group. The iPST participants also displayed significantly higher improvements in secondary outcomes. However, workplace absenteeism was not significantly affected. Conclusion iPST is effective in reducing symptoms of depression among teachers. Disseminated on a large scale, iPST could contribute to reducing the burden of stress-related mental health problems among teachers. Future studies should evaluate iPST approaches for use in other working populations.

Original languageEnglish
JournalScandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health
Volume40
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)582-596
Number of pages15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11.2014

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health.

    Research areas

  • Health sciences - depression, depressive symptom, internet-based, mental health, occupational health, randomized controlled trial, RCT, teacher, training, web-based
  • Depression, Depressive symptom, Mental health, Occupational health, RCT, Web-based

DOI

Recently viewed

Researchers

  1. Goddert Oheimb

Publications

  1. A virus of distrust?
  2. High-Load Squat Training Improves Sprinting Performance in Junior Elite-Level Soccer Players: A Critically Appraised Topic.
  3. Learning Soccer in Elementary School: Using Teaching Games for Understanding and Digital Media
  4. From the plurality of transdisciplinarity to concrete transdisciplinary methods
  5. Evaluating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of web-based indicated prevention of major depression
  6. Characteristics, emerging needs, and challenges of transdisciplinary sustainability science
  7. CODA - A Groupbase System For Cooperative Design Applications
  8. Open Access und Open Educational Resources
  9. Optimal grazing management rules in semi-arid rangelands with uncertain rainfall
  10. Foraging loads of stingless bees and utilisation of stored nectar for pollen harvesting
  11. Improved dam operation in the Amu Darya river basin including transboundary aspects
  12. Influence of Effective Two- and Three-Particle Interactions on Atomic Fine Structure in Mixed Configurations (5d +6s)N
  13. Teaching Artistic Strategies
  14. Verbraucherrechtsdurchsetzung
  15. The persistent decline in unionization in western and eastern Germany, 1980 - 2004
  16. Digital innovation and transformation
  17. Values shift in response to social learning through deliberation about protected areas
  18. Abiotic and biotic drivers of tree trait effects on soil microbial biomass and soil carbon concentration
  19. Cognitive and affective processes in multimedia learning
  20. Parameters, concepts and the terminology of outer space law: a review of the essential facilities served by outer space activities and the rules of interpretation for treaty law and soft law guidelines.
  21. Modeling Interregional Patient Mobility: Theory and Evidence from Spatially Explicit Data
  22. Microstructure and mechanical properties of large-scale Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Mn alloys prepared through semi-continuous casting
  23. The bispecific SDF1-GPVI fusion protein preserves myocardial function after transient ischemia in mice.
  24. Effective digital practice in the competence-oriented English as a foreign language classroom in Germany
  25. Systemic Risks from Different Perspectives
  26. The multiplicity of emotions: A framework of emotional functions in decision making
  27. Media of Trust
  28. Dynamische Bestandsdimensionierung
  29. Internationale Berichtssysteme
  30. Mechanisms of teleological change