Acceptance and commitment therapy for the treatment of stress among social workers: A randomized controlled trial

Chronic stress increases the risk of health problems and absenteeism, with negative consequences for
individuals, organizations and society. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a brief
stress management intervention based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
on stress and general mental health for Swedish social workers (n = 106) in a randomized, controlled
trial. Participants were stratified according to stress level at baseline in order to examine whether initial
stress level moderated the effect of the intervention. Two thirds of the participants had high stress levels
at baseline (Perceived Stress Scale; score of 25). The results showed that the intervention significantly
decreased levels of stress and burnout, and increased general mental health compared to a waiting list
control. No statistically significant effects were, however, found for those with low levels of stress at
baseline. Among participants with high stress, a substantial proportion (42%) reached criteria for clinically
significant change.We concluded that the intervention successfully decreased stress and symptoms
of burnout, and increased general mental health. Evidence is, thus, provided supporting ACT as brief,
stress management intervention for social workers.