Mindfulness as a Predictor of Positive Reappraisal and Burnout in Standardized Patients

Abstract

Background: Standardized patients (SPs) portray emotionally intense roles that can have unintended deleterious effects including burnout. Purpose: This study explored SP characteristics that could serve as protective factors against these adverse effects. The literature suggests that positive reappraisal and mindfulness are protective factors, with positive reappraisal mediating the relationship between mindfulness and burnout. Methods: Seventy-six SPs completed an instrument measuring burnout, positive reappraisal, and mindfulness. Multiple regression was performed to test the hypothesized mediator model. Results: The results revealed that mindfulness and positive reappraisal explained a meaningful portion of SP burnout variance (R ² = .31 p < .01). Germane to the mediator model, all correlations were significant: mindfulness and positive reappraisal (a) r = .668; positive reappraisal and burnout (b) r = –.527; and mindfulness and burnout (c) r = –.496, p < 01. When positive reappraisal and mindfulness were included in the model, the previously significant relationship c was no longer statistically significant. The combination of these three relationships supports a mediator model. Conclusions: Education to enhance mindfulness and positive reappraisal offers a way to offset the adverse effects of portraying intense emotional patient experiences.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Cassandra L. Konen for her assistance with this project.