Title
Return to work: A comparison of two cognitive behavioural interventions in cases of work-related psychological complaints among the self-employed
Author
Blonk, R.W.B.
Brenninkmeijer, V.
Lagerveld, S.E.
Houtman, I.L.D.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
KvL
Publication year
2006
Abstract
We investigated the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and a combined intervention of workplace- and individual-focused techniques among self-employed people on sick leave owing to work-related psychological complaints (such as anxiety, depression, and burnout). Both interventions were based on CBT; however, one was conducted by psychotherapists and involved extensive CBT, while the other was delivered by "labour experts" and consisted of a brief CBT-derived intervention combined with both individual-focused and workplace interventions. One hundred and twenty-two self-employed people who had applied for sickness benefit from an insurance company enrolled in a randomized controlled design. These individuals were assessed before the intervention and then at 4 months and 10 months after the onset of the intervention. The outcome was assessed based on duration of sick leave until partial and full return to work and on psychological complaints. Significant effects on partial and full return were found in favour of the combined intervention: partial return occurred 17 and 30 days earlier in this group than in the CBT group and the control group, respectively. For full return to work, the difference was approximately 200 days. A decrease in psychological complaints was present in each condition but we found no significant interaction effects. The results suggest that work resumption should be addressed earlier in individuals receiving CBT. This insight is of value for the (scarce) literature concerning interventions for individuals who are on sick leave owing to work-related psychological complaints. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.
Subject
Workplace
Arbeidsparticipatie
Absence
Burnout
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Effectiveness of psychotherapy
Rehabilitation
Self-employed
Sick leave
Work-related stress
Workplace interventions
Behavior
Health insurance
Intermethod comparison
Job adaptation
Mental disease
Social psychology
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:98eb43fa-93da-4759-8bfb-23aa42dc2e6f
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/02678370600856615
TNO identifier
239481
ISSN
0267-8373
Source
Work and Stress, 20 (2), 129-144
Document type
article