Pilot study of an online brief mindfulness-based intervention to improve the well-being of managers and reduce their stress at work.
Ángela Asensio-Martínez, Lorena Adame, Alejandra Aguilar-Latorre, Benito Millán, Marta Domínguez-garcía, Rosa Magallón-botaya
International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics : JOSE September 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2024.2358676 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA brief mindfulness-based emotional regulation program for managers reduced stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout while improving psychological flexibility, self-efficacy, and well-being. In an 8-week non-randomized trial with 23 managers (average age 50, 17 men and 6 women), the intervention group showed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, work-related acceptance and action, general self-efficacy, exhaustion, alienation, stress, and non-reactivity. The waiting-list control group showed no significant changes. The findings suggest the program could support managers' emotional and work-related well-being, though further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Non-randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 23 |
| Population | Managers (17 men and six women, average age 50 years) |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based emotional regulation for managers (MBERM) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Emotional regulation Job stress Managers Online intervention |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key finding | The mindfulness-based emotional regulation intervention significantly reduced depression, anxiety, exhaustion, alienation, and stress, and improved psychological flexibility, self-efficacy, and non-reactivity in managers. |
Abstract
Objectives. The COVID-19 pandemic, remote work and new technologies have heightened workplace pressures. Effective response and essential organizational changes require business leaders to be more adaptable, with managers' presence playing a pivotal role in successful implementation. The study assesses a brief mindfulness-based emotional regulation for managers (MBERM) intervention, to reduce workplace stress and enhance managerial well-being. Methods. An 8-week non-randomized controlled trial was conducted with a waiting list control group and an intervention group. Pre-post differences were measured by Student's t test or Wilcoxon test, and effect size calculated using the Hedge's g formula. The sample included 23 managers (17 men and six women) with average age 50 years. The study assessed anxiety and depressive symptoms, psychological flexibility, perceived self-efficacy, general work-related well-being, perceived stress and mindfulness. Results. Statistically significant changes were observed in the intervention group in depression, anxiety, work-related acceptance and action, general self-efficacy, exhaustion, alienation, stress and non-reactivity. The control group showed no statistically significant changes in any of the variables. Conclusion. The MBERM intervention could improve the emotional and work-related well-being of managers and reduce stress levels and burnout. Further study of this intervention is needed to promote adherence and ensure a long-term improvement.