Effects of a brief interpersonal mindfulness program embedded in a psychiatric nursing practicum: A controlled pilot...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Psychiatric Nursing
• Mindfulness Studies

Background:

• Nursing school presents significant academic and professional stress.
• Interpersonal mindfulness training offers potential stress reduction.
• Limited research exists on mindfulness in nursing training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a brief interpersonal mindfulness program.
• The program was integrated into a 4-week psychiatric nursing practicum.
• To assess the impact on nursing students.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study utilizing mixed methods.
• 31 fourth-year nursing students participated.
• Experimental group practiced interpersonal mindfulness alongside clinical training.

Main Results:

• Experimental group showed significant increases in mindfulness subscales (Observing, Describing, Non-reacting) and overall mindfulness.
• Large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.83-0.95) were observed.
• Qualitative data revealed themes of initial challenges, increased mindfulness, intrapersonal benefits, and improved interpersonal skills.

Conclusions:

• An embedded interpersonal mindfulness program proved effective in psychiatric nursing practicum.
• Further research is needed to address study limitations.
• Mindfulness training shows promise for enhancing nursing student development.