Work package 4 – Treatment and intervention for stress reduction

SP 4.1 Stress of patients or non-patiens with high stress

Senior Researchers: Perski, Lekander, Kecklund, Åkerstedt.

• In the first study (O) the results of CBT treatment of burnout in four stress-treatment clinics (1200 patients) will be followed-up after 6, 12, and 24 months (health-questionnaire, work status, sick leave). (R)
   
• A second study (O) will evaluate several types (CBT among others) of interventions against stress in high schools (1200 students) in Stockholm. (R+W)
   
• In a third study (P) the effect of use of motivational interviewing on stress measures will be studied (with Social services, Södertälje). (R)
   
• In a fourth study (O) the effectiveness of CBT (ACT or therapist-supported self-help CBT), together with genetic polymorphisms will be investigated in relation to pain disability, insomnia, brain function (fMRI) and inflammation. Also, experimental manipulation of sleep duration is evaluated against upper respiratory tract infections. (P+R+W)

SP 4.2 Work place interventions

There is a need for research on the effects of interventions in companies and of development of intervention methods for occupational health services, with a focus on improving the work environment, not only treating patients. Senior Researchers: Svartengren, Åkerstedt, Sverke + OHS providers.

• One study (O) will evaluate how health examinations in OHS are carried out (through a questionnaire) and suggest improvements. (O)
   
• A second study (P) will create a network for OSH providers for discussion and exchange of views in order to improve current procedures. (O)
   
• A third study (P) will use internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy and physical activity by OSH to evaluate if stress, sleep, subjective health, HRV indicators may be used to predict work ability improvement. (O+R)
   
• In a forth study (O) carried out in several public organizations and in collaboration with an occupational health service unit we intervene through a series of workshops to implement better balance between demands and control, effort and reward, and work and rest. Leaders as well as employees participate and the design is pretest and two post-test questionnaires and a control group. (W+R)