Impact of Ecological Momentary Interventions on Regulatory Strategies of Perceived Stress at Work: An Exploratory Study Based on the Application "MON SHERPA” Used in an Ecological Context

Abstract

Based on ICT, specifically smartphones and their mobile apps, this exploratory study questions the impact of EMIs on employees' perceived stress during workdays. A sample of 15 workers, working at least 3 days a week and divided into one control group (n=5) and one experimental group (n=10), used an EMI application called "Mon Sherpa" for one week. Participants responded to two questionnaires at the beginning of the study: a sociodemographic questionnaire and the PSM-9 (Psychological Stress Measure). They completed the PSM-9 once again in the middle and at the end of the experiment to compare the score's evolution depending on the formed groups. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants of the experimental group (n=9) to identify their perception of the application. The statistical results indicated no effects of the EMIs. However, interviews indicated somatic, behavioral, and cognitive evolution throughout the experiment in the field of stress, anxiety, and invasive thoughts. These conflicting results might be explained by an immediate but not lasting effect of EMIs on work-related stress. It may also be partly explained by some limitations of the study. More cross-disciplinary and larger research is required.