The efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques in psychiatric nursing for stress management

An 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program adapted for psychiatric nurses in Taipei, Taiwan, substantially reduced perceived stress and emotional exhaustion. At 8 weeks, the MBSR group showed a mean Perceived Stress Scale reduction of 9.1 points (30.9% decrease) compared to 1.8 points in the waitlist control group, with reductions maintained at 3-month follow-up. Emotional exhaustion decreased by 7.3 points in the MBSR group versus 1.1 points in controls. Mindfulness scores increased across all five facets, with the largest gains in non-reactivity and acting with awareness. 78.8% of participants reported a positive effect on patient care quality. The findings support MBSR as a viable occupational health intervention for this population.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Occupational stress among psychiatric nurses has reached levels that threaten both workforce stability and patient care quality, yet evidence-based interventions targeting this population remain scarce in East Asian healthcare systems. This research evaluated the efficacy of an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program adapted for psychiatric nursing staff at two psychiatric hospitals in Taipei, Taiwan. A pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design with a waitlist control group was used. The sample comprised 128 psychiatric nurses: 66 in the MBSR intervention group and 62 in the waitlist control group. The primary outcome measure was the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), administered at baseline, mid-program (week 4), post-program (week 8), and at 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and a self-developed measure of perceived impact on patient care quality. MBSR sessions were delivered weekly in 2.5-hour group meetings facilitated by a certified MBSR instructor with psychiatric nursing experience. At 8 weeks, the MBSR group demonstrated a mean PSS reduction of 9.1 points (from 29.4 to 20.3, 30.9% decrease), compared to a 1.8-point reduction in the control group (from 28.9 to 27.1, p< 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.24). Reductions were maintained at 3-month follow-up (mean PSS = 21.7). The MBI emotional exhaustion subscale decreased by 7.3 points in the MBSR group versus 1.1 points in the control arm (p< 0.001). FFMQ scores increased significantly across all five facets, with the largest gains in non-reactivity (+4.8 points) and acting with awareness (+4.2 points). Heatmap analysis of component-specific effects revealed that breathing exercises and body scan meditation produced the earliest measurable reductions, while group discussion contributed more gradually. Nurse managers showed the highest baseline stress but also the greatest proportional improvement. Participants reported that mindfulness practice improved their emotional regulation during patient interactions, with 78.8% indicating a positive effect on care quality. These findings support the implementation of MBSR programs as a viable occupational health intervention for psychiatric nurses in Taiwan's mental health system.