The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Training on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Job Satisfaction Among Ward Nurses: A Randomized Control Trial.

A randomized controlled trial tested a 4-week Mindfulness-Based Training program for ward nurses with mild to moderate stress, anxiety, and depression. The intervention included a 2-hour workshop plus guided self-practice via a website. Compared to a control group, the intervention group showed significant improvements in anxiety and job satisfaction over time, with a moderate effect size for anxiety reduction and a small effect for job satisfaction increase. No significant group differences were found for stress or depression. The authors suggest that such training could be adopted as hospital policy to reduce anxiety and boost job satisfaction among nurses.

Study at a glance

Abstract

AIM To assess the effect of a 4-week Mindfulness-Based Training intervention on improving stress, anxiety, depression, and job satisfaction among ward nurses. BACKGROUND Previous literature showed that mindfulness training is useful for helping nurses cope with stress. METHOD Nurses who have mild to moderate levels of stress, anxiety, and depression identified from a teaching hospital were invited to a randomized control trial. The intervention group had a 2-hour Mindfulness-Based Training workshop, followed by 4 weeks of guided self-practice Mindfulness-Based Training website. Both the intervention group (n=118) and the control group (n=106) were evaluated pre- and post-intervention, and 8 weeks later (follow-up) using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21, Job Satisfaction Scale, and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. RESULTS There was a significant effect over time on stress, anxiety, depression and mindful level (p˂.05). Regarding the difference between the groups and interaction between time and group, there was a significant effect for anxiety (p=.037 p=.008) and job satisfaction (p˂.001, p=0,40) respectively, with moderate effect size for anxiety reduction (0.465) and small for job satisfaction increment (0.221). CONCLUSION Mindfulness-Based Training is effective in improving anxiety and job satisfaction among nurses. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Mindfulness-Based Training can be included as hospital policy to reduce anxiety and increase job satisfaction among nurses.