A mindfulness training program based on brief practices (M-PBI) to reduce stress in the workplace: a randomised...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychology
• Mindfulness Studies

Background:

• Workplace stress significantly contributes to absenteeism and decreased productivity.
• Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly explored for stress reduction in occupational settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief integrated mindfulness program (M-PBI) in reducing workplace stress.
• To assess the impact of the M-PBI on mindfulness, self-compassion, decentering, burnout, and heart rate variability.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving 40 employee-volunteers with high perceived stress (PSS-14 > 22).
• An 8-week M-PBI intervention group (n=21) versus a control group (n=19).
• Assessment of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Experiences Questionnaire-Decentering (EQ-D), Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), and Heart Rate Variability (HRV).

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in perceived stress (PSS-14) and increases in mindfulness (FFMQ) in the intervention group (p < 0.05).
• Improvements observed in decentering (EQ-D), self-compassion (SCS), and reduced burnout (MBI-GS) compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
• Positive changes in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were also noted in the intervention group.

Conclusions:

• An 8-week M-PBI program is an effective intervention for rapidly reducing workplace stress.
• The M-PBI program significantly enhances employee well-being, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
• Brief mindfulness practices offer a practical solution for improving mental health in the workplace.