Restoring depleted resources: Efficacy and mechanisms of change of an internet-based unguided recovery training for better sleep and psychological detachment from work

David D. Ebert, Hanne Thiart, Johannes A.C. Laferton, Matthias Berking, Heleen Riper, Pim Cuijpers, Bernhard Sieland, Dirk Lehr

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

117 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of an Internet-based intervention, which aimed to improve recovery from work-related strain in teachers with sleeping problems and work-related rumination. In addition, mechanisms of change were also investigated. Methods: A sample of 128 teachers with elevated symptoms of insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI] ≥ 15) and work-related rumination (Cognitive Irritation Scale ≥ 15) was assigned to either an Internet-based recovery training (intervention condition [IC]) or to a waitlist control condition (CC). The IC consisted of 6 Internet-based sessions that aimed to promote healthy restorative behavior. Self-report data were assessed at baseline and again after 8 weeks. Additionally, a sleep diary was used starting 1 week before baseline and ending 1 week after postassessment. The primary outcome was insomnia severity. Secondary outcomes included perseverative cognitions (i.e., work-related rumination and worrying), a range of recovery measures and depression. An extended 6-month follow-up was assessed in the IC only. A serial multiple mediator analysis was carried out to investigate mechanisms of change. Results: IC participants displayed a significantly greater reduction in insomnia severity (d = 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.99 -1.77) than did participants of the CC. The IC was also superior with regard to changes in all investigated secondary outcomes. Effects were maintained until a naturalistic 6-month follow-up. Effects on insomnia severity were mediated by both a reduction in perseverative cognitions and sleep effort. Additionally, a greater increase in number of recovery activities per week was found to be associated with lower perseverative cognitions that in turn led to a greater reduction in insomnia severity. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for the efficacy of an unguided, Internet-based occupational recovery training and provided first evidence for a number of assumed mechanisms of change.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1240-1251
Number of pages12
JournalHealth Psychology
Volume34
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Insomnia
  • Internet-based self-help
  • Mediators
  • Prevention
  • Work stress

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Restoring depleted resources: Efficacy and mechanisms of change of an internet-based unguided recovery training for better sleep and psychological detachment from work'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this