The influence of a mindfulness-based intervention on job satisfaction and work-related stress and anxiety
N. Wongtongkam, Branka Krivokapic‐Skoko, R. Duncan, M. Bellio
April 20, 2017 DOI: 10.1080/14623730.2017.1316760 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed methods quasi-experiment with in-depth interviews Qualitative |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | University personnel/staff |
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness meditation significantly increased mindful awareness in university staff, including staying focused, noticing physical tension, being aware of running automatically, and not being preoccupied with the past or future. It also reduced sleep disturbance. Interviewed participants reported greater calmness, relaxation, ability to handle workplace difficulties, better emotion management, improved family relationships, and reduced blood pressure. |
Abstract
Abstract Workplace mindfulness is a recognised tool for enhancing health and well-being of university staff and may result in better task performance and satisfaction in the workplace. The study examined the beneficial effects of mindfulness meditation on job satisfaction, mindful awareness and anxiety levels in university personnel. Mixed methods with a quasi-experiment and in-depth interviews were used. Fifteen participants engaged in a mindfulness meditation approach and five volunteers were interviewed. The findings showed a significant increase in awareness, with staying focused (t(14) = –3.09, p = .00), noticing feelings of physical tension (t(14) = –4.00, p = .00), being aware of running automatically (t(14) = –3.55, p = .00) and not being preoccupied with the future or the past (t(14) = –2.69, p = .01), respectively. Mindfulness was also effective in reducing sleep disturbance. Qualitative results demonstrated the mindfulness approach contributed to calmness and relaxation, and increased ability to handle difficult matters in the workplace. Apart from helping participants to better manage emotions, the mindfulness intervention could promote better relationships towards family members and reduce blood pressure to normal levels. Therefore, mindfulness meditation should be promoted across academic settings to enhance job performance and satisfaction and reduce work-related stress.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A PILOT STUDY OF GROUP MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT) FOR COMBAT VETERANS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) Veterans with chronic combat posttraumatic stress disorder seeking treatment at a VA... | 2013 | Quasi-experimental with treatment-as-usual comparison group | n = 37 |
| Being present in the face of existential threat: The role of trait mindfulness in reducing defensive responses to mortality salience. | 2010 | Experimental study | |
| Neural correlates of mindfulness meditation-related anxiety relief Healthy adults with no prior meditation experience | 2013 | Within-subjects experimental study | n = 15 |
| Intensive mindfulness training-related changes in cognitive and emotional experience Community adults | 2009 | Quasi-experimental and longitudinal | n = 69 |
| Prospective examination of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine inhalation: effects on salivary IL-6, cortisol levels, affect, and non-judgment Volunteers | 2019 | Within-subjects experimental study | n = 11 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- The Effects of Loving-Kindness Meditation Guided by Short Video Apps on Policemen's Mindfulness, Public Service Motivation, Conflict Resolution Skills, and Communication Skills. Behavioral Sciences July 4, 2025
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Training on Increasing of Emotional Intelligence, Job Satisfaction and Mental Health of a Petroleum Employees 2023
- Going beyond Mindfulness: How Concentration and Tranquility Commonly Co-Arising with Mindfulness Account for Mental Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health April 11, 2023
- Mindfulness, qigong y su impacto en la salud December 5, 2018
- The Impact of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Compassion Fatigue of Nurses Working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study. Holistic Nursing Practice
Cites 5
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report Assessment September 1, 2004
- Combining mindfulness meditation with cognitive-behavior therapy for insomnia: a treatment-development study. Behavior Therapy November 14, 2007
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for persistent insomnia: a pilot study. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 2006
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits. A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research July 1, 2004