Therapist mindfulness and subjective vitality: the role of psychological wellbeing and compassion satisfaction.
Ashley Martin-Cuellar, David T Lardier, David J Atencio
Journal of Mental Health July 31, 2019 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2019.1644491 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study using mediation analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Licensed mental health clinicians |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Personal satisfaction Empathy Mental health Allied health personnel Vitality Psychological wellbeing Compassion satisfaction |
| Key findings | Therapists with greater mindfulness reported more vitality, higher overall psychological wellbeing, and higher compassion satisfaction. The relationship between mindfulness and vitality was mediated by psychological wellbeing and compassion satisfaction, suggesting these are mechanisms through which mindfulness may relate to therapist vitality. |
Abstract
Background: Mindfulness and vitality are related constructs in the literature; however, mindfulness and vitality have not been fully examined in the literature, specifically with mental health therapists.
Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindfulness and vitality among a sample of licensed mental health clinicians. Compassion satisfaction (CS) and psychological wellbeing are further explored as mechanisms by which a therapist may experience vitality and the impact mindfulness may have on these mechanisms.
Methods: Mediation analyses were utilized to understand the relationship between mindfulness and vitality and the indirect paths of psychological wellbeing and CS.
Results: Results indicate that therapists with greater mindfulness report more vitality, higher overall psychological wellbeing and higher CS. As expected, the relationship between mindfulness and vitality was mediated by psychological wellbeing and CS. Results support the existing research on the relationship between mindfulness and vitality.
Conclusions: Understanding the importance of psychological wellbeing and CS has implications for addressing the high incidences of the negative impact of therapeutic work.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Examining the Therapist Mindfulness in the Context of Therapeutic Alliance and Therapeutic Relationship: A Systematic Review Psikiyatride Guncel Yaklasimlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry May 26, 2025
- Effects of Mobile Mindfulness Meditation on the Mental Health of University Students: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Journal of Medical Internet Research April 29, 2022
Cites 6
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Mindfulness, Self-Care, and Wellness in Social Work: Effects of Contemplative Training Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work Social Thought July 1, 2011
- A mindfulness course decreases burnout and improves well-being among healthcare providers. The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine 2012
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Anxiety and Depression: A Meta-Analytic Review Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology April 1, 2010
and 1 more in the library