Feasibility and effectiveness of psychosocial resilience training: A pilot study of the READY program

Abstract

Despite many studies on the characteristics associated with resilience, there is little research on interventions to promote resilience in adults. The aims of this study were to gather preliminary information regarding the feasibility of implementing a group psychosocial resilience training program (REsilience and Activity for every DaY, READY) in a workplace setting, and to assess if program would potentially promote well-being. The program targets five protective factors identified from empirical evidence: Positive emotions, cognitive flexibility, social support, life meaning, and active coping. Resilience enhancement strategies reflect core acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) processes and cognitive behavior therapy strategies. Sessions involve psychoeducation, discussions, experiential exercises, and home assignments. Sixteen participants completed 11 × two h group sessions over 13 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention assessment included self-administered questionnaires, pedometer step counts, and physical and hematological measures. Data were analyzed using standardized mean differences and paired t-tests. There was a significant improvement between baseline and post intervention scores on measures of mastery (p = 0.001), positive emotions (p = 0.002), personal growth (p = 0.004), mindfulness (p = 0.004), acceptance (p = 0.012), stress (p = 0.013), self acceptance (p = 0.016), valued living (p = 0.022), autonomy (p = 0.032) and total cholesterol (p = 0.025). Participants rated the program and materials very highly. These results indicate that the READY program is feasible to implement as a group training program in a workplace setting to promote psychosocial well-being.

Keywords:

• resilience
• well-being
• mental health
• health promotion
• ACT
• depression
• stress management

Acknowledgements

Nicola Burton is a Heart Foundation Research Fellow (PH 08B 3904), and is also supported by a (Australian) National Health and Medical Research Council Capacity Building Grant (ID 252977) and Program Grant (ID 310200). This study was funded by a Program Grant from the (Australian) National Health and Medical Research Council (ID 301200). The authors thank the participants for their ongoing enthusiasm and support for the program, and Sarah Walters for research support.