The Words We Use, the Actions We Take, and the Perceptions We Hold: First-step assessments to inform wellness curricula and burnout prevention programming

Introduction: In response to concerns about burnout, many medical schools have been initiating wellness curricula and programming. A key to the success of these efforts is having engagement from targeted audiences. Gathering input from these groups regarding preferred lexicon, wellness actions, and perceptions of judgement or guilt around such actions can help in developing and promoting such curricular and programmatic offerings. Engagement is especially important when it comes to the predictors of burnout (e.g., self-care, self-compassion, and emotional self-disclosure). Methods: Utilizing a focus-group methodology as a preliminary step, medical school faculty and students discussed terms regarding burnout predictors. Thematic analysis using grounded theory was used to analyze transcriptions with the generated preferred terms being incorporated into a follow-up survey. Surveys were completed by 23 faculty, 65 students, 23 residents, and 124 staff (n = 235). The survey asked for ranked preferences of lexicon terms, ratings of engagement and importance around wellness actions, perceptions of judgement and guilt around engaging in self-care, and disengagement and exhaustion via the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Results: Overall, results revealed a preference for alternative language (i.e., “personal well-being” (p < 0.001), “being kind to yourself” (p < 0.001), “sharing your feelings” (p < 0.001)) compared to phrases commonly used in the wellness literature (i.e., self-care, self-compassion, and emotional self-disclosure). Engagement in self-care (p < 0.001), and self-compassion actions (p = 0.001) were inversely correlated with burnout, while perceptions of being judged (p < 0.001) and feeling guilty for self-care (p < 0.001) were positively correlated with burnout. Conclusion: Incorporating preferred lexicon terms and mitigation factors (correlating with the reduction of burnout) into wellness curricular development is encouraged as a valuable initial step for medical schools and organizations as they reach out to their intended audiences.

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Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the mindful self-care scale among Brazilian palliative care providers

Palliative & Supportive Care ◽

10.1017/s1478951521001802 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Ana Cláudia Mesquita Garcia ◽

Laura Soares Rodrigues Silva ◽

Ana Cristina Gonçalves Ferreira ◽

Vander Monteiro da Conceição ◽

Everson Meireles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Cultural Adaptation ◽

Self Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reliability Indices ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Hospice And Palliative Care

Abstract Objective This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS, 33-item) in a Brazilian hospice and palliative care context. Method This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 336 Brazilian hospice and palliative care providers. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer — Quality of Life Group Translation Procedure protocol was used for the translation and the cultural adaptation process. Psychometric properties supporting the use of the MSCS were examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and correlation analysis with other instruments to assess congruence to related constructs (resilience and self-compassion). The reliability of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the MSCS was assessed using Cronbach's α and composite reliability coefficients. Results The six-factor (33-item) model showed a good fit to the data, with satisfactory reliability indices and adequate representation of the scale's internal structure. Further validity is evidenced in the significant, positive correlations found between the MSCS, and similar well-being constructs, namely the Self-Compassion and Resilience scales. Significance of results The findings reveal that the MSCS (33-item) is a valid, reliable, and culturally appropriate instrument to examine the practice of mindful self-care by hospice and palliative care providers in Brazil. More broadly, it represents a promising instrument for future research into self-care practices and well-being among Brazilian healthcare providers.

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Predicting Professional Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction in Spanish Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17124366 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (12) ◽

pp. 4366

Author(s):

Noemí Sansó ◽

Laura Galiana ◽

Amparo Oliver ◽

Macià Tomás-Salvá ◽

Gabriel Vidal-Blanco

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Self Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Practice Environment ◽

Professional Quality Of Life ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Professional Quality

Background: Dealing with suffering, grief, and death on a daily basis, together with the particular working conditions, may produce high levels of burnout in nurses, and hinder their well-being. The purpose of this research is to study the effect of self-care and self-compassion on nurses’ professional quality of life and well-being. Methods: The research had a cross-sectional design, used correlational methodology and a structural equation model was hypothesized. Along the study, 210 nurses from the Healthcare Public System of the Balearic Islands, participated. The study took place from June to September 2018. Results: The hypothesized model showed an overall adequate fit. Practice environment predicted both self-care and self-compassion, whereas nursing stress did not. Self-care and self-compassion predicted nurses’ professional quality of life, whereas the practice environment and nursing stress were not predictors. Finally, professional quality of life showed a positive relationship with life satisfaction. Conclusions: The study presents a comprehensive structural equation model in which self-care and self-compassion are the best predictors of nurses’ professional quality of life. A direct relation of professional quality of life and nurses’ well-being has also been found, while controlling for the effects of nurses’ practice environment and stress.

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Well-Being Workshops in Eating Disorder Wards and Their Perceived Benefits to Patients and the Multi-Disciplinary Team: A Pilot Study

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci9100247 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 247

Author(s):

Katherine Smith ◽

Yasemin Dandil ◽

Claire Baillie ◽

Kate Tchanturia

Keyword(s):

Eating Disorder ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Self Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Content Structure ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Staff Burnout ◽

Definition Of ◽

Multi Disciplinary Team

A more holistic definition of patients’ recovery from eating disorders (EDs) highlights that well-being interventions linked to self-compassion are under-researched and under-utilised. Staff burnout is also common in ED units (EDUs), linked to difficult relationships with patients and poor self-care, and is not well addressed. Therefore we piloted a series of joint well-being workshops to target these issues. Joint workshops were offered to patients (n = 55) and the multi-disciplinary team MDT (n = 34) in adult ED wards over two years. Experiences were evaluated quantitively and qualitatively. Mood post-workshops increased significantly for both groups (patients: p < 0.001, r = 0.49; MDT: z = 3.043, p = 0.002, r = 0.41), with the feeling that they deserved to take time for self-care (patients: z = 2.419, p = 0.016, r = 0.31); MDT: z = 2.814, p = 0.005, r = 0.38). Workshops were found to be enjoyable and highly relevant to well-being, but less useful by patients. Thematic analysis identified six themes: Enjoyment, recovery and well-being, relationships, content, structure and future ideas. Both groups experienced improved mood and increased enjoyment and awareness of well-being. Patient isolation was addressed, and the staff experienced stress reduction and increased productivity. Both groups experienced improved relationships.

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Efficacy and moderation of mobile application-based mindfulness-based training, self-compassion training, and cognitive-behavioral psychoeducation on mental health: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.8597 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Winnie Wing Sze Mak ◽

Alan Chun Yat Tong ◽

Sindy Ying Chi Yip ◽

Wacy Wai Sze Lui ◽

Floria Hin Ngan Chio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Mobile Applications ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Well Being ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Self Compassion

BACKGROUND Mindfulness-based interventions, self-compassion training, and cognitive behavioral therapy have garnered much evidence in its salutary effects on mental health. With increasing application of smartphone and mobile technology on health promotion, the present study investigated the efficacy and possible moderators of mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation training mobile applications in the improvement of mental health. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to examine the efficacy of three mobile application-based programs: mindfulness-based program (MBP), self-compassion program (SCP), and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation control (CBP) in improving well-being and reducing psychological distress. To further delineate the suitability of each program for which type of individuals, individual difference variables (i.e., nonattachment, self-criticism, discomfort with emotion, and tolerance for ambiguity) were explored for potential moderation. METHODS The present study was a three-arm randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of MBP, SCP with CBP. The course contents of the three programs were composed by a clinical psychologist and the mobile application was fully automated. Participants were recruited online and offline via mass mail, advertisements in newspapers and magazines, and social networking site. They were randomized into either one of the three conditions and completed pre-program survey assessment. Throughout the 4-week, 28-session program, participants spent 10 minutes daily in reviewing the course content and practicing various related exercises. Post-assessment and 3-month follow-up surveys were administered to measure changes over time. Indicators of mental health and psychological distress, as well as proposed moderators were self-assessed online at pre-program, post-program, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS Among the 2,161 study participants, 508 and 349 completed the post- and 3-month follow-up assessment respectively. All three conditions (MBP, N = 703; CBP, N = 753; SCP, N = 705) were found to be efficacious in improving mental well-being and reducing psychological distress. No significant differences regarding usage and users’ satisfaction were found among the three conditions. None of the proposed moderators were found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS Mindfulness-based, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation mobile applications were efficacious in improving mental health and reducing psychological distress among young adults at post-program, and such improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Future app-based psychological training programs should consider gamification and personalization of content or feedback to enhance engagement and mitigate the high attrition rate that are common in app-based health promotion programs. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR-TRC-13003468; https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/registry/public/217 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6oaPwga7z).

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IMPROVING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN: A STRENGTHS-BASED INTERVENTION

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1292 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S356-S356

Author(s):

Christine Fruhauf ◽

Loriena Yancura ◽

Aimee Fox ◽

Nathaniel Riggs ◽

Heather Greenwood-Junkiermeyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Short Form ◽

Self Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Services ◽

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ◽

Self Assessments ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Many grandparents raising grandchildren experience depression. Few interventions take a strengths-based approach to improve their mental health. To address this gap, this study utilized an adapted version of Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) for grandparents (PTC-G) to improve their self-care, communication, and self-efficacy. Grandparents completed self-assessments including the CES-D short form prior to the intervention, immediately after the 6-week program, and at 6-months. Focus groups were also conducted during the 6-month follow-up to further explore positive behavior change. Data from all sources were analyzed to show that the PTC-G program significantly lowered depressive symptoms of grandparents raising grandchildren. Qualitative data shows that grandparents report increased awareness and use of self-care practices and community services. By improving the health and well-being of grandparents raising grandchildren, the PTC-G intervention shows promise in reducing depression and improving long-term mental health outcomes in vulnerable grandfamilies.

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Improvements in Psychological and Occupational Well-being Following a Brief Yoga-Based Program for Education Professionals

Global Advances in Health and Medicine ◽

10.1177/2164956119856856 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 216495611985685 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Natalie L Trent ◽

Sara Borden ◽

Mindy Miraglia ◽

Edi Pasalis ◽

Jeffery A Dusek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sleep Quality ◽

Positive Affect ◽

Work Engagement ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Well Being ◽

P Values ◽

Education Professionals ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Paired Samples

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine changes in psychological and occupational well-being in education professionals who attended a yoga-based program. Methods Education professionals who attended a 3-day yoga-based RISE (resilience, integration, self-awareness, engagement) program were recruited to participate. RISE was administered at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. Measures of psychological and occupational well-being, and health-related behaviors were completed before (baseline), after (post), and 2 months after RISE (follow-up). Forty-four participants completed baseline and post and were included in the analysis. Of those, 33 participants also completed the follow-up. Paired samples t tests were used to compare scores between time points. Results Compared to baseline, at post, participants showed improvements in perceived stress, mindfulness, empowerment, positive affect, negative affect, self-compassion, total work engagement, vigor, sleep quality (all P values < .001), resilience, satisfaction with life, as well as exhaustion and professional efficacy which are dimensions of burnout (all P values < .01). At the follow-up, significant improvements were maintained for mindfulness, empowerment, self-compassion, sleep quality (all P values < .001), resilience, vigor, and exhaustion (all P values < .01) and positive affect, satisfaction with life, and work engagement (all P values < .05). Conclusions These findings suggest that the yoga-based RISE program improves psychological and occupational well-being in education professionals. In addition, participants reported that attending RISE was feasible, they could continue using RISE practices long-term, shared them with work colleagues, and reported that RISE positively impacted both their daily lives and workplace environment. With these promising results, additional controlled research is warranted.

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Resilience, Insight, Self-Compassion, and Empowerment (RISE): A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Psychoeducational Group Program for Nurses

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association ◽

10.1177/10783903211033338 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107839032110333

Author(s):

Amanda T. Sawyer ◽

Amanda K. Bailey ◽

Jeanette F. Green ◽

Jingwei Sun ◽

Patricia Stearnes Robinson

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychoeducational Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Mind Set

Background: Nurses tend to be vulnerable to burnout and compassion fatigue due to constant workplace stressors. There is a need to provide advocacy, education, programming, and resources in the areas of positive coping and self-care to reduce burnout symptoms and promote well-being. RISE is an 8-week psychoeducational group intervention for nurses with four themes: resilience, insight, self-compassion, and empowerment. Objectives: This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of RISE on mental well-being. Methods: The sample included 75 registered nurses who work in a hospital-based setting. Outcomes included resilience, insight, self-compassion, empowerment, stress mind-set, perceived stress, and burnout. Independent-samples t tests were conducted to compare outcomes between intervention and wait-list control groups at baseline and 1-month follow-up, as well as at 3-month follow-up. Supplemental analyses included paired-samples t tests and linear mixed models to compare the outcomes of the intervention group participants at baseline to 1-month follow-up, as well as at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Results: Participants in the intervention group showed improved levels of insight (i.e., engagement in self-reflection), perceived stress, and burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion) when compared with the control group and improved levels of resilience, self-compassion, stress mind-set, and perceived stress when compared with their baseline. Conclusions: This study informs how RISE affects nurse well-being and may be an effective intervention for reducing burnout and stress. This type of whole-person intervention can support nurses to improve their well-being and ability to cope amid the complex interplay of factors at the individual, unit, and organizational levels.

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Efficacy and Moderation of Mobile App–Based Programs for Mindfulness-Based Training, Self-Compassion Training, and Cognitive Behavioral Psychoeducation on Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial

JMIR Mental Health ◽

10.2196/mental.8597 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. e60 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Winnie WS Mak ◽

Alan CY Tong ◽

Sindy YC Yip ◽

Wacy WS Lui ◽

Floria HN Chio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Well Being ◽

Mobile App ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

Mindful Awareness ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Mental Well Being

Background Mindfulness-based interventions, self-compassion training, and cognitive behavioral therapy have garnered much evidence in its salutary effects on mental health. With increasing application of smartphone and mobile technology on health promotion, this study investigated the efficacy and possible moderators of mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation training mobile apps in the improvement of mental health. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of 3 mobile app–based programs: mindfulness-based program, self-compassion program, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation program in improving mental well-being and reducing psychological distress. Changes in mindful awareness and self-compassion were also assessed. To further delineate the suitability of each program for different types of individuals, individual difference variables (ie, discomfort with emotions and tolerance for ambiguity) were explored for potential moderation. Methods This study was a 3-arm, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial examining the efficacy of mindfulness-based program, self-compassion program, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation. Participants were randomized into either 1 of the 3 conditions. Throughout the 4-week, 28-session program, participants spent 10-15 min daily reviewing the course content and practicing various related exercises. At preprogram, postprogram, and 3-month follow-up, participants also completed Web-based measures of mental well-being, psychological distress, mindful-awareness, and self-compassion as well as the proposed moderators. Results Among the 2161 study participants, 508 and 349 completed the post- and 3-month follow-up assessment, respectively. All 3 conditions (mindfulness-based program: N=703; cognitive behavioral psychoeducation: N=753; self-compassion program: N=705) were found to be efficacious in improving mental well-being and reducing psychological distress. All conditions enhanced mindful awareness at postprogram. Significant interaction effect was found on self-compassion; cognitive behavioral psychoeducation and self-compassion program, but not mindfulness-based program, significantly enhanced self-compassion at postprogram. No significant differences regarding usage and users’ satisfaction were found among the 3 conditions. None of the proposed moderators were found to be significant. Conclusions Mindfulness-based, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation mobile apps were efficacious in improving mental well-being and reducing psychological distress among adults at postprogram and 3-month follow-up. Future app-based psychological training programs should consider gamification and personalization of content or feedback to enhance engagement and mitigate the high attrition rates that are common in app-based health promotion programs. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR-TRC-13003468; http://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=6220 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/734PlOz50)

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Impact of a Mindfulness and Self-Care Program on the Psychological Flexibility and Well-Being of Parents with Children Diagnosed with ADHD

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12187487 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (18) ◽

pp. 7487

Author(s):

Carlos F. Salgado-Pascual ◽

Luis J. Martín-Antón ◽

Miguel Á. Carbonero

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

School Context ◽

Self Care ◽

Psychological Flexibility ◽

Care Program ◽

Well Being ◽

Cognitive Fusion ◽

Psychological Reactions ◽

Mindfulness Skills ◽

Self Compassion

Families with children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to display unpleasant psychological reactions arising from the pressure exerted by the social and school context, and from experiences linked to difficulties their children have. The present research seeks to examine the effectiveness of a mindfulness program on various dimensions related to well-being and psychological flexibility in parents of children with ADHD. The program is based on protocols of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), enhanced through the specific inclusion of relational keys, self-compassion exercises and framed within self-care. Participants were 22 fathers and mothers of children and teenagers diagnosed with ADHD. Psychological flexibility (AAQ II), cognitive fusion (CFQ), mindfulness (FFMQ), coping (COPE), and self-compassion (SCS) measures were used. Results showed a significant increase in mindfulness skills, psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and in the use of humor (COPE) as a strategy for coping with personal problematic events. We discuss the results which emerged, the limitations of the study, as well as proposals for improvement.

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A 5-Week Seminar on the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model of Self-Care Improves Anxiety, Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, Depression, and Stress in Graduate Healthcare Students

International Journal of Yoga Therapy ◽

10.17761/d-18-2019-00026 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 81-89

Author(s):

Amisha Klawonn ◽

Dana Kernan ◽

James Lynskey

Keyword(s):

Short Form ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Self Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Repeated Measure ◽

Rank Test ◽

Healthcare Students ◽

Mindfulness Skills ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Anxiety Depression

Abstract Graduate healthcare students can experience stress that affects their ability to perform academically and clinically, decreases empathy, and affects their well-being and clinical competence. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of a seminar on a yoga-inspired biopsychosocial-spiritual model of self-care on perceived levels of anxiety, self-compassion, mindfulness, depression, and stress in graduate healthcare students. We used a within-group repeated-measure design with baseline followed by intervention. The intervention was a 5-week seminar with 60-minute sessions that incorporated breathing, mindful movement, meditation, and education for self-care in five areas of a biopsychosocial-spiritual model (spiritual, physical, intellectual, energetic, and psychoemotional-social). The following outcomes measures assessed perceived changes in anxiety, self-compassion, mindfulness, depression, and stress: Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS-SF), Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The Freidman test with Dunn's test post hoc pairwise comparisons was used for the BAI, SCS-SF, FMI, KIMS, and MAAS. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for BDI and PSS. Twenty doctor of physical therapy students and one doctor of dental medicine student participated in the study. Significant improvements (all p < 0.05) were found for self-compassion, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, and stress. A 5-week seminar using a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach for self-care improved self-compassion and mindfulness and diminished anxiety, depression, and stress. Implementing programs that facilitate self-awareness and self-care may provide important benefits to future healthcare providers.

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