Effects of an Internet Delivered Behavioral Activation Program on Improving Work Engagement Among Japanese Workers

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to examine the effect of a newly developed Internet-delivered behavioral activation (iBA) program on work engagement and well-being among Japanese workers with elevated psychological distress. Methods Participants were recruited via an Internet survey company (N = 3299). The eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) Japanese employees aged 20 to 59 years, (2) having psychological distress, and (3) not self-employed. This iBA program was a 3-week web-based training course using behavioral activation techniques. Work engagement, psychological distress, and eudemonic well-being at work were measured at baseline and postintervention period. A paired sample t test was conducted to assess the intervention effect. Results Of the 568 eligible participants, 120 were randomly selected. A total of 108 participants completed the baseline survey and received the iBA program. Eighty respondents completed the postintervention survey and were included in analyses. The iBA program did not show a significant intervention effect on work engagement (P = 0.22, Cohen d = 0.14), while psychological distress (P < 0.01, d = −0.40) and role-oriented future prospects (P = 0.02, Cohen d = 0.27) were significantly improved. Conclusions The effect of the iBA program on work engagement may be limited.