A randomized controlled trial of a self-guided, multimedia, stress management and resilience training program.

TitleA randomized controlled trial of a self-guided, multimedia, stress management and resilience training program.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsRose RD, Buckey JC, Zbozinek TD, Motivala SJ, Glenn DE, Cartreine JA, Craske MG
JournalBehav Res Ther
Volume51
Issue2
Pagination106-12
Date Published2013 Feb
ISSN1873-622X
KeywordsAdult, Attention, Cognitive Therapy, Female, Humans, Male, Multimedia, Phobic Disorders, Resilience, Psychological, Self Care, Self Report, Stress, Psychological, Therapy, Computer-Assisted
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Stress is a common and costly behavioral health issue. Technology-based behavioral health programs (e.g., computer or web-based programs) are effective for treating anxiety or depression. These programs increase availability of evidence-based interventions to individuals who are not able or willing to receive such in-person treatments. Stress management training has empirical support, but little data exists on its efficacy with stressed but healthy individuals, and there are no prior studies employing a self-guided, multimedia intervention. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of a self-guided, multimedia stress management and resilience training program (SMART-OP) with a stressed but healthy sample.

METHODS: Participants (N = 66) were randomized to SMART-OP or an attention control (AC) group that received marketed videos and published material on stress management. Participants were evaluated on self-report measures and Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) performance. Analyses were based on study completers (N = 59).

RESULTS: SMART-OP group reported significantly less stress, more perceived control over stress, and rated SMART-OP as significantly more useful than AC. During the TSST, the data suggests the SMART-OP group showed greater within-task α-amylase recovery at post-assessment.

CONCLUSIONS: SMART-OP is highly usable and is a more effective and useful stress management training program than an educational comparison.

DOI10.1016/j.brat.2012.11.003
Alternate JournalBehav Res Ther
PubMed ID23262118