Meta Self-Efficacy Internet Intervention to Support Occupational Health in Young Employees: Protocol for Co-Creation and a Randomized Controlled Trial
Meta Self-Efficacy Internet Intervention to Support Occupational Health in Young Employees: Protocol for Co-Creation and a Randomized Controlled Trial
StatusVoR
Alternative title
Authors
Maciejewski, Jan
Cieślak, Roman
Carlbring, Per
Smoktunowicz, Ewelina
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2025-12-23
Publisher
Journal title
JMIR Research Protocols
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Volume
14
Pages
Pages
1-12
DOI
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1929-0748
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2025-12-23
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Background: Supporting young employees as they navigate the changing workplace requires focus on personal resources. Although self-efficacy is a key and malleable resource, its context specificity limits its applicability. To address this, we propose to target meta self-efficacy, a construct reflecting an individual’s ability to leverage self-efficacy sources (mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, persuasion, and affective and physiological states) to build self-efficacy specific to any challenge and, in turn, safeguard their occupational health.
Objective: The goal of this study is to co-create (co-creation phase) and verify the efficacy (randomized controlled trial [RCT] phase) of an internet intervention enhancing meta self-efficacy to support the occupational health of young employees.
Methods: The co-creation phase will be based on the participatory approach principle and comprise 4 focus groups, where a total of 24 participants will contribute to meta self-efficacy–enhancing activities and identify needs for the intervention format. After each focus group, a preliminary qualitative analysis will be conducted, and the intervention draft will be refined. To detect an effect size of d=0.25, the RCT will use a 2-arm parallel design with a total sample size of 600 comparing the meta self-efficacy intervention against a placebo. Assessments will be conducted at the posttest time point and 3- and 6-month follow-ups, with work self-efficacy as the primary outcome and job stress, job affective well-being, and work capabilities as secondary outcomes, as well as meta self-efficacy as the manipulation check. Data will be analyzed using linear mixed-effects models following the intention-to-treat approach. The trial will also examine the impact of adherence and engagement on intervention outcomes and compare treatment credibility.
Results: As of November 20, 2025, a total of 24 participants have been recruited, with 3 of 4 focus groups conducted and the final one to be completed by the end of 2025. RCT recruitment is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2026, with the last follow-up expected by the end of 2026.
Conclusions: In comparison to the placebo control, we expect the intervention to significantly improve young employees’ work self-efficacy (primary outcome) and occupational well-being (secondary outcomes). If effective, the meta self-efficacy–enhancing intervention could bolster the ability to cope with various challenges in the health domain and beyond, extending the effect beyond the initial occupational context
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
meta self-efficacy
young employees
internet intervention
work self-efficacy
occupational health
sustainable employability
job stress
young employees
internet intervention
work self-efficacy
occupational health
sustainable employability
job stress
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
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