A stiffener 50 for construction elements for providing resistance against deflection and cracking is disclosed comprising a U-shaped cross-section with a web 10 and two flanges 20a, 20b extending transversely from the web 10 and having ribs 30 rising parallel, perpendicular or diagonal from the flanges 20a, 20b. The stiffener 50 is configured to be fixed within the construction element. A drywall stud and a ceiling section provided with a plurality of stiffeners 50 of the present disclosure spaced at desired locations along their length is also disclosed. Such drywall studs and ceiling sections comprising stiffeners 50 of the present disclosure reduce deflection of drywall partition and suspended ceiling system, respectively by up to 50%.