Effectiveness of Digital Interventions for Deficit-Oriented and Asset-Oriented Psychological Outcomes in the Workplace: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

Armaou, Maria; Araviaki, Evangelia; Dutta, Snigdha; Konstantinidis, Stathis; Blake, Holly

Abstract

Background: Digital psychological interventions can target deficit-oriented and asset-oriented psychological outcomes in the workplace. This review examined: (a) the effectiveness of digital interventions for psychological well-being at work, (b) associations with workplace outcomes, and (c) associations between interventions’ effectiveness and their theory-base. Methods: six electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies. The methodological quality of studies that used randomisation was conducted with the “Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias” tool, while the “JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist” was used for non-randomised studies. Studies’ theory-base was evaluated using an adaptation of the “theory coding scheme” (TSC). Due to heterogeneity, narrative synthesis was performed. Results: 51 studies were included in a synthesis describing four clusters of digital interventions: (a) cognitive behavioural therapy, (b) stress-management interventions and workplace well-being promotion, (c) meditation training and mindfulness-based interventions, and (d) self-help interventions. Studies demonstrated a high risk of contamination effects and high attrition bias. Theory-informed interventions demonstrated greater effectiveness. Cognitive behavioural therapy demonstrated the most robust evidence for reducing depression symptoms among healthy employees. With the exception of the Headspace application, there was weak evidence for meditation training apps, while relaxation training was a key component of effective stress-management interventions.

Citation

Armaou, M., Araviaki, E., Dutta, S., Konstantinidis, S., & Blake, H. (2022). Effectiveness of Digital Interventions for Deficit-Oriented and Asset-Oriented Psychological Outcomes in the Workplace: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 12(10), 1471-1497. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12100102

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 15, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Oct 3, 2022
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Sep 21, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 21, 2022
• Journal: European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
• Electronic ISSN: 2254-9625
• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 1471-1497
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12100102
• Keywords: Applied Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Developmental and Educational Psychology
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/11466758
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2254-9625/12/10/102