Fostering Healthier Interpersonal Dynamics: A Mentalization-Based Antibullying Program for ICU Nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• Workplace bullying is prevalent in nursing, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Mentalization, understanding mental states, is crucial for ICU nurses, impacting bullying dynamics.
• Previous research links mentalization deficits to workplace bullying victimization and perpetration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a mentalization-based antibullying program (MBAP).
• To enhance interpersonal competences among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.
• To address psychological and cognitive factors contributing to workplace bullying.

Main Methods:

• A quasiexperimental design was used with a four-session MBAP.
• The program focused on awareness of personality traits, interpersonal cognition, and self-conscious emotions.
• Intervention and control groups (n=26 each) were compared post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Intervention group showed reduced narcissistic vulnerability and interpersonal cognitive distortions.
• Significant increases in mentalization scores were observed in the intervention group.
• Shame scores decreased, while guilt scores increased, indicating shifts in self-conscious emotions.

Conclusions:

• MBAP is an effective intervention for reducing workplace bullying among ICU nurses.
• The program positively impacts psychological and cognitive factors related to bullying.
• MBAP promotes healthier interpersonal dynamics and emotional regulation in healthcare settings.