Designing a stress management intervention in social services

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation of the design of a stress management intervention (rather than an evaluation of the implementation and outcomes of the programme).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses data generated from a large study carried out in two social service departments in the UK. The study is carried out in three phases: first, a problem diagnosis phase, comprising the development of a questionnaire and survey (n=1,234); second, focus groups (n=16) to develop interventions in a participatory way from the baseline established; and finally, an evaluation of the processes involved in phases one and two.

Findings

Key barriers include: major changes are currently taking place within the organisations; staff are distrustful of management and sceptical of the value of the research; lack of resources; and difficulties translating the findings into actions. Key factors necessary for success include: strong commitment from senior management; willingness by staff to participate; realistic expectations, responsibilities and time‐frames agreed at the outset of the project. Key health promotion outcomes achieved include: improved health literacy; changes to organisational policies and practices and staff empowerment and participation.

Research limitations/implications

Future research designing and implementing stress management interventions can draw on the evidence from this study in order to improve intervention effectiveness.

Practical implications

Evaluating the design of the stress management intervention has identified: what worked well, what did not, and in what context; difficulties associated with managing change; and unanticipated successes.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of the conditions which need to be created in order to achieve potentially successful outcomes and improve intervention effectiveness.

Citation

Coffey, M., Dugdill, L. and Tattersall, A. (2009), "Designing a stress management intervention in social services", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 98-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538350910970192