The use of psychological training in stress management intervention for extractive sector employees

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to check if psychological training was an effective intervention in reducing work-related stress in the case of workers in a copper mine. A targeted psychological training was developed basing on psychological diagnoses that had revealed workers’ need for clear and precise communication, individual and team responsibility, conflict solving and mutual support. The hypothesis was: the psychological training reduces work-related stress by improving the coping with stress skills as specified by psychological diagnoses. Material and methods: 97 employees were randomized to the experimental group (48 participants) and control group (48 participants). Work-related stress was measured using Job Content Questionnaire by Karasek, Occupational Stress Indicator by Cooper & Williams, and mental health was measured using Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire. Experimental manipulation was 24-hour-long psychological training. Findings: Results are based on three diagnoses (using the same 3 questionnaires as above) – before the training, directly after the training and 3 months later for the experimental sample, and two diagnoses for control sample. MANOVA has revealed significant increase of JCQ decision latitude (F=15.33, p<.00) and social support (Superv. F=11.13, p<.00; Cowor. F=6.356, p<.002), a significant decrease in GHQ (F=31.2, p<.00). There were no significant differences in OSI. Discussion: The psychological training for this specific group of workers was successful in terms of reducing work-related stress by increasing the coping with stress skills. In the cases of obstacles or impossibility of eliminating the sources of stress it is important to strengthen the coping with stress skills.