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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2017 Jan;23(1):40-51.
doi: 10.1080/10773525.2017.1386607. Epub 2017 Oct 30.

A mindfulness training program based on brief practices (M-PBI) to reduce stress in the workplace: a randomised controlled pilot study

M Arredondo  1   2 , M Sabaté  2   3 , N Valveny  3 , M Langa  4 , R Dosantos  4 , J Moreno  1 , L Botella  5
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A mindfulness training program based on brief practices (M-PBI) to reduce stress in the workplace: a randomised controlled pilot study

M Arredondo et al. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2017 Jan.

Abstract

Work stress is a major contributor to absenteeism and reduced work productivity. A randomised and controlled study in employee-volunteers (with Perceived Stress Scale [PSS-14]>22) was performed to assess a mindfulness program based on brief integrated mindfulness practices (M-PBI) with the aim of reducing stress in the workplace. The PSS-14 of the employees before and after 8-weeks M-PBI program, as well as after a 20-week follow-up, was assessed (primary endpoint). The employees also carried the following questionnaires (secondary endpoints): Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Experiences Questionnaire-Decentering (EQ-D), and Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS). Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was measured during each session in a subgroup of employees (n = 10) of the interventional group randomly selected. A total of 40 employees (77.5% female median [SD] age of 36.6 [5.6] years) took part in this study: 21 and 19 in the intervention and control group, respectively. No differences in baseline characteristics were encountered between the groups. Results show a significant decrease in stress and increase in mindfulness over time in the intervention group (PSS-14 and FFMQ; p < 0.05 both). Additionally, an improvement in decentering (EQ-D), self-compassion (SCS) and burnout (MBI-GS) were also observed compared to the control group (p < 0.05 in all). HRV measurement also showed an improvement. In conclusion, a brief practices, 8-weeks M-BIP program is an effective tool to quickly reduce stress and improve well-being in a workplace.

Keywords: EQ-D; FFMQ; M-PBI; Mindfulness; burnout; heart rate variability; stress; workplace.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flow diagram of the pilot study.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Flow diagram of the HRV measures. Notes: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was measured continuously during the 1.5 h session, and HRV was reported in two points, 3 min prior and 3 min after (pre and post) the two breathing coherent measurements.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Evolution of PSS-14 during the study (baseline, week-8 and week-20).
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Evolution of FFMQ during the study by scales.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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