IRCT201102275923N1 IRCT 2011-03-16 Institutes of Research Management and Monitoring, University of Malaya Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for Stress: An Intervention study of psychological symptoms and sickness absence in public university Employee assistance programme, Wellness Programme, Stress, Job Stress, Sickness absence Employee Assistance Programme for Stress: An Intervention study of psychological symptoms and sickness absence in public university 2010-04-01 anticipated 150 Complete https://irct.ir/trial/6403 interventional Randomization: Randomized, Blinding: Not blinded, Placebo: Not used, Assignment: Other, Purpose: Prevention. N/A Condition 1: Self Perceived depression. Condition 2: Self-perceived anxiety. Condition 3: Self-perceived stress. Condition 4: Blood pressure. Condition 5: Fasting serum lipid. Condition 6: Fasting Blood Sugar. Intervention 1: InterventionEmployee Assistance Program will include:•Three days of training program for participants. •EAP Individual counseling •Stress Relaxation Therapy6.6.1Three days of training program for participants. This workshop will be done by EAP specialist from Turning Point Integrated Wellness Sdn Bhd and investigator himself. The objectives of this 3 days workshop are to ensure participants will be able to: •Understand what EAP is •Understand what stress is •Recognize symptoms of stress •Identify sources of stress •Acquire some skills on how to cope with stress Workshop Methodology The workshop will start with the theoretical discussions on “What is Stress? (Definition)”; “How does Stress happen and how to make it work for you”; “Various elements and sources of Stress” “Job Burnout” and coupled with a simple stress evaluation test that measure stress levels and symptoms of stress for all participants, to help identify and focus on areas that cause stress to that person. Three major stress coping techniques will be taught and experienced during the session itself with Role Play/exercises. In this workshop, we will do one coping skill as in relation with oneself, another coping skill on interpersonal relationship (others) and third skills is coping with change and transition (environment). First coping skill, a creative-based method in managing stress will be applied here combining with Relaxation Techniques using specific breathing, imagery and visualizing methods. The exercise will be further enhanced with cognitive restructuring method in order to complete the full set coping skill. For second coping skill, we will be working with stress by enhancing our communication skills for interpersonal relationship. There are two important components in effective communication - listening and conveying the messages. Participants will practice communication skills through a series of exercises during the session itself. For third coping skills, we will be focusing on how to handle change and transition. Every person goes through an internal transition process when external situations or events change. Going through transitions, takes energy and causes both physical and emotional stresses. We will be focusing on understanding “How to recognize the different stages of transition?” and “how to identify problems occurring from incomplete transitions at the different stages of transition and the various strategies in managing transition?” through lectures and exercises during the session itself.The final session will be discuss about healthy lifestyle which consist of healthy eating, physical activity and stop smoking.6.6.2 EAP Individual counseling EAP individual counseling will be given three monthly and as needed by referral from supervisor for the whole one year program. In every session, participants will be allocated 30 minutes to one hour for them to discuss problems especially the psychological aspects. EAP counselor will listen and give the proper advice to participants. Compliance to stress relaxation therapy will also be emphasized here. Participants also can discuss about their medical condition and blood pressure will be measured in each session. This counseling session will be done by investigator; who is the Occupational Health Doctor with training in EAP counseling. Investigator had undergone 3 phase EAP counseling training which consist of:Phase 1: Counseling Skills for In-house Counselors – 3 daysPhase 2: Understanding Clients – 3 daysPhase 3: Simulation Exercises – 3 days6.6.3Stress Relaxation TherapyStress Relaxation Therapy will be taught to the participants by theory and practical session for one day period. The therapy includes deep breathing therapy, progressive muscular relaxation, imagery, musical and. To ensure compliance to the therapy, self-help material, phone follow-up and 3 monthly one-to-one counseling will be emphasized on this therapy. The best relaxation is achieved by using physical and mental techniques together. These useful physical relaxation techniques can help them to reduce muscle tension and manage the effects of the fight-or-flight response on your body. This is particularly important if they need to think clearly and perform precisely when they are under pressure. There are four types of Stress Relaxation Therapy:i)Deep Breathing TherapyDeep breathing is a simple, but very effective, method of relaxation. It is a core component of everything from the. Intervention 2: Control Group Participants in control group will be given self-help pamphlet on stress management.