Evaluation of a Stress Management Course for Shipboard Sailors

Abstract

Background: As part of their day-to-day operational mission, shipboard sailors experience unique stressors that can affect their health and readiness. The San Diego Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) conducts in-person classes to teach stress management principles to sailors. The FFSC stress management course covers the causes and consequences of stress, reviews the Navy Operational Stress Control model, and provides information on basic stress management skills. This course has not been rigorously evaluated to determine its impact on the sailors' ability to manage stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term impact of the FFSC stress management class on the (1) sailors' stress management knowledge, (2) sailors' intention to share knowledge from the class with others, and (3) sailors' satisfaction with the class.

Method: Shipboard sailors (n = 95) who attended a stress management course completed pretest and posttest assessments that measured workplace stress, current stress management behaviors, stress management knowledge, intention to share course information, and participant satisfaction with the course. Most ratings were made on a 5-point scale, where higher scores indicated more positive outcomes.

Results: In the aggregate, participants gave high marks for the class (M = 3.81, SD = 0.66), gave positive ratings for the class instructors (M = 3.84, SD = 0.67), and were satisfied with the class (M = 4.05, SD = 0.63). Sailors also reported that the class was relevant to their work (M = 3.64, SD = 0.81). Overall, 80% of class participants intended to share information learned in the class with family members and military friends, potentially extending the reach and impact of the FFSC class. Finally, sailors did not show increased stress management knowledge as a result of taking the FFSC stress management class (P = .31).

Conclusion: This study was the first evaluation of the short-term impact of the FFSC stress management course on the stress management knowledge of shipboard crews. Study limitations prevented the study team from assessing the long-term impact of the stress management course on future stress levels and stress abatement behaviors. Recommendations are made to enhance future evaluations of FFSC classes for service members.