Guided self-help mindfulness-based intervention for increasing psychological resilience and reducing job burnout in psychiatric nurses: A randomized controlled trial.
Qi Wang, Yue Luan, Dandan Liu, Jiali Dai, Haina Wang, Yang Zhang, Shuang Wang, Xiaomei Dong, Hongsheng Bi
International Journal of Nursing Practice September 19, 2023 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.13204 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 118 |
| Population | Psychiatric nurses |
| Interventions | Guided self-help mindfulness intervention psycho-educational brochure |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Measures | Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Burnout, professional Psychiatric nursing Adult Middle aged Female Resilience, psychological Surveys and questionnaires Psychiatric nurses Job burnout Psychological resilience |
| Key findings | Among 118 psychiatric nurses, an 8-week guided self-help mindfulness intervention led to higher mindfulness and psychological resilience and lower job burnout compared with a psycho-educational brochure. The authors conclude that this format can improve resilience and reduce burnout and may be more accessible than face-to-face delivery. |
Abstract
Aims: The present study aimed to explore the effects of a guided self-help mindfulness intervention on psychological resilience and job burnout among psychiatric nurses.
Background: Psychiatric nurses work in challenging and potentially high stress settings. Mindfulness interventions can improve psychological resilience and reduce job burnout of nurses. However, face-to-face delivery of mindfulness interventions may be inconvenient for individuals. Guided self-help interventions may be more accessible.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from January to August 2022. One hundred and eighteen psychiatric nurses were randomized into the intervention and control groups. The individuals in the intervention group received an 8-week guided self-help mindfulness intervention, while the individuals in the control group received a psycho-educational brochure. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey were used to evaluate the levels of mindfulness, psychological resilience and job burnout, respectively.
Results: After an 8-week intervention, compared with the control group, the levels of mindfulness and psychological resilience were higher, while the level of job burnout was lower in the intervention group.
Conclusions: The guided self-help mindfulness intervention can improve psychological resilience and reduce job burnout among psychiatric nurses.
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 4
- Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on burnout, resilience and sleep quality among nurses: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Nursing July 1, 2025
- The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in enhancing resilience and mitigating occupational burnout among nurses: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Applied nursing research : ANR July 28, 2026
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions as Holistic Strategy for Psychiatric Nurse Burnout: A Narrative Review. Holistic Nursing Practice July 21, 2026
- Calm in the Chaos: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study Using a Mobile Mindfulness App to Manage Stress and Burnout Among Emergency Department Nurses. Journal of Holistic Nursing March 11, 2026
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