Are cognitive–behavioral interventions effective in reducing occupational stress among nurses?

Despite the growing evidence regarding the effectiveness of cognitive–behavioral interventions in reducing occupational stress, very few studies have examined its effectiveness among nurses. This study investigated the impact of a cognitive–behavioral (CB) course on the nurses' well-being. The study compared the sense of coherence (SOC), perceived stress (PSS), and mood states of 20 nurses who had participated in the CB course to that of 16 control participants using a pre–post test design. At baseline (t1), no significant differences were found between the two groups in SOC, PSS, and mood states. The effects within each group controlling for t1 were examined by analysis of covariance. At t2, a significant increase in SOC and the mood state of vigor and a significant decrease in PSS and fatigue were found only among participants in the CB course. The results are discussed in relation to the conceptual framework of stress and coping theory.