Understanding stress management intervention success:A case study-based analysis of what works and why
Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis investigates the process behind stress management interventions \n(SMIs). This includes the design, implementation and evaluation of \ninterventions (both formative and summative), along with exploring the roles \nof involved stakeholders. Although there exists a plethora of studies around \nwork-related stress across several disciplines, they are predominantly focused \non the effects of stress on individuals, organisations and society, highlighting \nthe various costs which are associated with it. However, studies on SMIs are \nless common, particularly ones with detailed accounts of the SMI process. As \na result, this hinders our understanding of which SMIs work for whom in what \ncontext (Biron, 2012), making it difficult for forthcoming studies to benefit \nfrom the results. \nA multiple case study research, of a higher education institute (Russell \nUniversity) and an Arm’s Length (ALMO) housing association (Bravo City \nHomes), was conducted to address what the literature has neglected. \nSpecifically, it examined the various steps of the SMI process, highlighting the \nkey roles of the involved stakeholders, while contrasting the effects that context \nhad across two different sectors. This was done through forty semi-structured \ninterviews with relevant stakeholders from both organisations to gain \nretrospective insight into the SMI processes, understand their role and what they \nperceived it to be, and to evaluate what helped and hindered the success of SMIs. \nIt was found that giving each step of the research process sufficient attention \nfrom each of the relevant stakeholders was key. The lack of communication \naround who the relevant stakeholders were significantly hindered the \ninterventions. Managers, in particular, were found to be crucial to SMI success \nby supporting the interventions and enhancing communication. Other \nstakeholders whose roles were found to be vital were Human Resources and \ntrade unions, which have also been neglected in the literature.
Author: Marina Wasfy Aziz Boulos
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3041394962