Occupational stress and working women: The effectiveness of two stress reduction programs

Abstract

Using 53 working women as subjects, this study evaluated the effectiveness of two 7-session stress reduction programs. One of the programs consisted of progressive relaxation and systematic desensitization. The other involved instruction in time management, rational-emotive therapy, and assertiveness training. The study also had a delayed treatment control condition. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Personal Strain Questionnaire, and the Work Schedule Questionnaire were administered as pretests and posttests to assess emotional exhaustion, personal strain, and absenteeism. Data were evaluated by multivariate and univariate analyses of covariance. It was found that the subjects in the two programs had significant decreases in emotional exhaustion and personal strain relative to the controls. No significant difference was found between the two stress reduction programs. The results indicate that both of the programs tested were effective in reducing stress.