Stop for Stress: online versus group program for work-related stress
Stop for Stress - En Sammenligning af Online og Gruppebaseret Behandling for Arbejdsrelateret Stress
This project tests whether a therapist-guided online version of Stop for Stress works as well as the in-person group program for adults with significant work-related stress.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Aarhus University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Aarhus, Central Region Denmark and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06799403 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Employed adults experiencing significant work-related stress (PSS-10 ≥20) who can commit to the program and either attend group sessions at a study center or use a home computer/tablet with internet access are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People whose primary problems are workplace bullying, severe psychiatric disorders, ongoing substance abuse, or major non-work stressors are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could expand access to an effective, scalable online program that reduces work-related stress and supports return to work.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research and pilot data indicate that online stress-management programs can achieve effects similar to face-to-face group interventions, and the Stop for Stress online format showed promising pilot results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Aarhus, Central Region Denmark and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.