An effective workplace stress management intervention: Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work™ Employee Groups

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Horan, Anne Puidk

Affiliations: P.O. Box 276, Terrell, TX 75160, USA. Tel.: +1 972 551 1800; Fax: +1 972 551 1811; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Stress is a costly and significant source of health problems and mental distress -- with work cited as a primary stressor. This pilot study supports the effectiveness of a new workplace stress intervention: Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work™Employee Groups. In this program, employee-participants met during nine weekly meetings to read inspirational workplace stories, comment, and share their own stories. A leader, chosen from and by the group, guided meetings. Utilizing a wait-list control group design, participants were randomly assigned to an experimental or wait-list group. Participants completed pretests and posttests (Coping Resources Inventory, Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised, Job Descriptive Index, Pressure Management Indicator, survey). Statistical interaction effect for subtests was evaluated using a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Participants exhibited improved total coping resources, cognitive/rational coping, state of mind, confidence and home/work balance. Participant comments and their continued participation in a similar company-sponsored program bolster these empirical results.

Journal: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 3-13, 2002