Stress, depression and other mental health disorders are prevalent, disabling conditions that have substantial effects on the health and productivity of the work force. The goal of this project is to develop and test a web-based, interactive, multi-media stress and mood management program for the workplace. By presenting topics of depression, anxiety and substance abuse within a program of stress management - a relatively non-stigmatized topic -- working adults can acquire the necessary awareness, skills and motivation to prevent, or seek treatment for, these costly disorders. Moreover, they will be able to acquire skills for coping with stress on and off the job. In Phase I, a prototype program was developed and tested in focus groups of working adults, and interviews were conducted with managers to assess the feasibility and commercial viability of the program. The prototype was successfully developed and pilot-tested, arid received high ratings for feasibility. In Phase II, the web-based stress and mood management program will fully developed and field-tested in a randomized design at a worksite in the southeastern U.S. based on the results of the field test, the program will be revised and prepared for marketing to businesses and the behavioral health care industry.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44MH063610-03
Application #
6931208
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BBBP-D (10))
Program Officer
Light, Enid
Project Start
2004-08-01
Project End
2006-07-31
Budget Start
2005-08-01
Budget End
2006-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$331,166
Indirect Cost
Name
Isa Associates, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
145470290
City
Alexandria
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
22314
Billings, Douglas W; Cook, Royer F; Hendrickson, April et al. (2008) A web-based approach to managing stress and mood disorders in the workforce. J Occup Environ Med 50:960-8