[The effect of mindfulness-based training on emotion regulation and well-being in mental health professionals].

A nine-session mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program for 91 mental health professionals (average age 44.5 years) significantly improved mindfulness skills—especially nonjudgment, mindful action, and observation—and adaptive emotion regulation strategies such as positive reinterpretation and acceptance. Impulsivity did not decrease directly, but at post-test it showed significant negative correlations with mindful action and description. Observation skills correlated positively with adaptive strategies like perspective taking and positive reappraisal. These improvements helped reduce negative emotional states and supported more effective coping with professional challenges.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health professionals in direct patient care are frequently exposed to prolonged stress, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and burnout. Mindfulness practice supports self-care by promoting adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, enhancing psychological well-being, and reducing impulsivity. Objective: To examine the effects of MBCT on mindfulness skills, emotion regulation strategies, impulsivity, and psychological well-being among mental health professionals. Method: 91 professionals (mean age: 44.5 years) participated in 9 group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy sessions. Measurements before and after the program included: Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), Shortened Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-R-8), and WHO Well-Being Index (WBI-5). Data were analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: Mindfulness levels increased significantly, particularly in nonjudgment, mindful action, and observation. Adaptive emotion regulation strategies improved, especially positive reinterpretation and acceptance. Impulsivity did not decrease directly but showed significant negative correlations with mindful action and description subscales at post-test. The FFMQ observation subscale correlated positively with adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, notably perspective taking and positive reappraisal. Discussion and conclusion: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy training significantly enhanced mindfulness skills and adaptive emotion regulation strategy use. Improvements in nonjudgment, mindfulness, observation, positive reframing, and acceptance contributed to reduced negative emotional states and more effective coping with professional challenges. Increased acceptance fostered a more open, nonjudgmental attitude toward self and others, further supporting stress reduction. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(44): 1736–1745.