Preliminary evaluation of a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for mental health professionals. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dobie, Alana; Tucker, Alison; Ferrari, Madeleine; Rogers, Jeffrey M
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 24:Number 1(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: mental health professionals -- mindfulness-based stress reduction -- self-care -- stress -- workplace; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856215618524
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objectives: Mental health professionals are particularly susceptible to occupational stress; however, there are limited formal programmes to address the problem. This paper discusses the preliminary results of a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme for practising professionals in a public hospital mental health unit. Method: A mixed-group of nine mental health professionals participated in eight weeks of daily 15-minute MBSR training interspersed with three 30-minute education sessions developed by the authors (AD and AT). Levels of psychological distress and mindfulness skill were measured before and immediately after participation. Results: Following the brief MBSR programme, quantitative and qualitative participant feedback revealed a perceived reduction in psychological distress. Conclusions: A brief MBSR programme can be incorporated into the full-time workloads of practicing mental health professionals, potentially addressing a significant unmet workplace need.