Mindfulness training as an evidenced-based approach to reducing stress and promoting well-being among human services professionals

Abstract

Two novel mindfulness-based interventions designed to be integrated either in academic or work settings to mitigate the effects of stress and promote well-being among human services professionals are described. Study 1 explored whether a brief mindfulness intervention was superior to a traditional relaxation intervention for nursing staff. Results demonstrated that both interventions significantly improved relaxation and life satisfaction, with mindfulness participants exhibiting a trend toward particular improvements in emotional exhaustion. In study 2, teacher trainees who participated in a Mindfulness- Based Wellness Education (MBWE) program as part of their academic training experienced significantly greater increases than controls in mindfulness, satisfaction with life, and teaching self-efficacy. We recognize that systemic factors need to be addressed for the long-term resolution of stress-related problems among human services professionals. In the interim, mindfulness-based interventions are proving to be an effective way to support these pivotal members of our society.

Human services professionals are pivotal members of our society. They often work under duress and as a result, stress related health and mental health problems commonly lead to job burnout in this population (Maslach 2003). In addition to the negative physical and mental health outcomes associated with stress and burnout, there are also substantial financial costs to organizations as a result of decreased work performance and increased disability, absenteeism, and turnover (Palmer et al 2004; Statistics Canada 2007).

Across human services professions, the causes and consequences of stress, as well as factors contributing to one's ability to cope with stress or to develop burnout, are well documented (e.g., for nurses, see Gelsema et al 2006; for social workers, see Seibert 2005; for teachers, see Montgomery & Rupp 2005). Theoretical models map out the factors contributing to, and the trajectory leading toward, outcomes such as burnout (e.g., Bakker & Demerouti 2007). However, the literature focusing on solutions to work-related stress and burnout is scant (Maslach 2003).

This article outlines the development and evaluation of two mindfulness-based interventions for human services professionals. These programs are based on evidence of impressive benefits of Kabat- Zinn's (1990) mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program in clinical settings, burgeoning interest in applying this program in non-clinical settings, and our own mindfulness practices. After a brief overview of mindfulness and current research developments, we describe the results of two studies we conducted, one with nurses and one with teachers- in-training.

Keywords:

• Mindfulness
• stress reduction
• health promotion
• wellness
• human services
• teachers
• nurses