Research Plus

Cognitive behavioural approach to sickness absence

This randomised-controlled trial (n = 102) examined the effect of a cognitive behavioural stress management intervention directed at workers who were either returning from sick leave or at risk of going off sick. The intervention consisted of nine three-hour sessions over three months, delivered by clinical psychologists with advanced training in CBT. Self-reported absence in the intervention group (mean 27 days) was lower than in the waiting-list control group (44 days; p = 0.02) at 16 weeks’ follow-up, but there was no significant difference at 32 weeks. Rate or return to work was faster in the intervention group, but the difference was not significant.

Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health 2011; 37(3): 186–195.

Tags absence cbt - cognitive behavioural therapy evidence based practice sickness absence

Occupational Health at Work June/July 2011 (vol. 08/1) pp40