Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychological distress in health workers: A three-arm parallel randomized controlled trial.
A. Errázuriz, K. Schmidt, E. Undurraga, Sebastián Medeiros, R. Baudrand, D. Cussen, Marcela Henríquez, Pablo Celhay, R. Figueroa
Journal of Psychiatric Research November 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.11.011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 105 |
| Population | Non-physician health workers in direct contact with patients |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Stress Management Course |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 4-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | MBSR reduced psychological distress post-intervention compared to both a Stress Management Course and a wait-list, but these effects were not maintained at four-month follow-up. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has shown good efficacy for improving wellbeing in employees experiencing occupational stress. However, comparisons with other interventions, longer-term follow-up, and data from varying sociocultural contexts are lacking. This three-arm, parallel randomised controlled trial (RCT) examined the effects of MBSR on psychological distress in non-physician health workers in direct contact with patients. 105 participants were randomly allocated to either: (1) MBSR (N = 35), (2) Stress Management Course (SMC; N = 34) or (3) wait-list (N = 36). Participants and those assessing outcomes were blinded to group assignment. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention and four months after the intervention. Psychological distress was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45). Secondary outcomes included perceived stress, job satisfaction, mindfulness skills and changes in salivary cortisol. 77 participants completed measures post-intervention and 52 at 4-month follow-up. MBSR showed a post-intervention effect in reducing GHQ-12 (ß = -0.80 [SE = 1.58] p < 0.01) and OQ-45 (ß = -0.72, [SE = 5.87] p < 0.05) psychological distress, compared to SMC and in reducing GHQ-12 (ß = -1.30 [SE = 1.38] p < 0.001) and OQ-45 (ß = -0.71, [SE = 5.58] p < 0.01) psychological distress compared to wait-list condition. In our secondary outcome, only MBSR was associated with a decrease in the cortisol awaking response by 23% (p < 0.05). At follow-up, only effects of MBSR on the psychological distress 'social role' subscale (ß = -0.76 [SE = 1.31] p < 0.05) remained significant, compared to SMC. In conclusion, MBSR appears useful in reducing short-term psychological distress in healthcare workers, but these effects were not maintained at follow-up. Trial registration: ISRCTN12039804.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Individual participant data systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials assessing adult mindfulness-based programmes for mental health promotion in non-clinical settings. Nature Mental Health July 10, 2023
- The effect of the Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction program on the level of perceived stress and geriatric depression in older adults: a randomised controlled study Psychogeriatrics January 3, 2023
- Feasibility of Modified Mindfulness Training Program for Antenatal Depression and Perceived Stress Among Expectant Mothers with Male Child Preference. Healthcare March 7, 2025
- Exploring Mechanisms, Methods, and Measurement in Mindfulness Research: A Scoping Review of Community-Based Interventions Mindfulness September 15, 2026
- Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Job Satisfaction and Psychological Distress of Care Workers for Older Adults. Workplace Health & Safety July 1, 2026
and 8 more in the library
Cites 20
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation versus relaxation training: Effects on distress, positive states of mind, rumination, and distraction Annals of Behavioral Medicine February 1, 2007
- How long does a mindfulness‐based stress reduction program need to be? A review of class contact hours and effect sizes for psychological distress Journal of Clinical Psychology March 23, 2009
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Teaching and Learning in Medicine April 1, 2003
- The moderation of Mindfulness‐based stress reduction effects by trait mindfulness: Results from a randomized controlled trial Journal of Clinical Psychology December 22, 2010
and 15 more in the library