Designing a stress management intervention in social services

Coffey, M; Dugdill, L; Tattersall, A

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 ¼ 1,234); second, focus groups (n ¼ 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., & Tattersall, A. (2009). Designing a stress management intervention in social services. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 2(2), 98-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538350910970192

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: Feb 26, 2010
• Journal: International Journal of Workplace Health Management
• Print ISSN: 1753-8351
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 98-114
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17538350910970192
• Keywords: Stress, Social services, Social service personnel, Organizational chance, Project evaluation,; United Kingdom
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17538350910970192