Stress Gym: Feasibility of deploying a web-enhanced behavioral self-management program for stress in a military setting

Abstract

Stress and depression can adversely impact the performance of military personnel. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) interventions for managing stress are effi cacious in traditional face-to-face formats, but the Internet supports a broader reach of these programs. This study reports on the feasibility of using an Internet-based self-help stress-management intervention in military personnel. There were 142 offi cers/enlisted sailors at a Naval Medical Center who completed the program. Evaluation of the program titled "Stress Gym" was positive for the user interface, content, feasibility, and satisfaction. Positive evaluation was not infl uenced by rank/status, sex, or previous deployment. Stress ratings alsodecreased signifi cantly while using the program. These data support Stress Gym as being an online CBT-based selfhelp intervention that is feasible to deploy, accepted by the intended end users, and demonstrates the intended goal of reducing stress.