Stop for Stress: online versus group program for work-related stress

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a two-armed, multicenter randomized trial enrolling 220 employed adults with severe work-related stress who score at least 20 on the PSS-10 and have symptom duration over four weeks. Participants are randomized 1:1 to a therapist-assisted online delivery of the Stop for Stress program or to an evidence-based face-to-face group format, with recruitment at two occupational medicine departments in Central Denmark. The trial excludes cases where interpersonal violence, primarily non-work stressors, severe psychiatric disorders, or substance abuse are the main problems. The study also aims to identify markers that predict better outcomes in each delivery format and to compare return-to-work outcomes between arms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Current employment and significant work-related stressors
* Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) score ≥20 and symptom duration \>4 weeks
* In case of full-time sick leave, return to work must be planned concurrent with the intervention
* Access to a computer or tablet with internet connection at home

Exclusion Criteria:

* Interpersonal difficulties, bullying, harassment, violence, threats, and traumatic events as primary stressor
* Severe stressors outside of work
* Symptoms meeting diagnostic criteria for anxiety, depression or severe psychiatric illnesses requiring specialized treatment
* Current abuse of alcohol and/or psychoactive drugs

Where it's running

• Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital
  Aarhus, Central Region Denmark, Denmark Recruiting
• Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gødstrup Hospital
  Herning, Central Region Denmark, Denmark Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Zara A Stokholm, MD, PhD — Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital
• Study coordinator: Lea N Sørensen, MSc Psychology
• Email: leanso@rm.dk
• Phone: +45 61369464

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.