Designing a stress management intervention in social services

Coffey, M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5837-5532, Dugdill, L and Tattersall, A 2009, 'Designing a stress management intervention in social services' , International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 2 (2) , pp. 98-114.

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Subjects / Themes > H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) Subjects / Themes > H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare Subjects outside of the University Themes
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Applied Research in Health, Welfare and Policy Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Health Sciences Research
Journal or Publication Title:	International Journal of Workplace Health Management
Publisher:	Emerald
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	1753-8351
Depositing User:	Users 29196 not found.
Date Deposited:	26 Feb 2010 10:26
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2022 09:15
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/3123

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