Author: Janssen M1, Heerkens Y1, Kuijer W1, van der Heijden B2,3,4, Engels J1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Occupation & Health Research Group, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
<sup>2</sup>Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
<sup>3</sup>Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, the Netherlands.
<sup>4</sup>Kingston University, London, United Kingdom.
Conference/Journal: PLoS One.
Date published: 2018 Jan 24
Other:
Volume ID: 13 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: e0191332 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191332. eCollection 2018. , Word Count: 230
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this exploratory study was to obtain greater insight into the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on the mental health of employees.
METHODS: Using PsycINFO, PubMed, and CINAHL, we performed a systematic review in October 2015 of studies investigating the effects of MBSR and MBCT on various aspects of employees' mental health. Studies with a pre-post design (i.e. without a control group) were excluded.
RESULTS: 24 articles were identified, describing 23 studies: 22 on the effects of MBSR and 1 on the effects of MBSR in combination with some aspects of MBCT. Since no study focused exclusively on MBCT, its effects are not described in this systematic review. Of the 23 studies, 2 were of high methodological quality, 15 were of medium quality and 6 were of low quality. A meta-analysis was not performed due to the emergent and relatively uncharted nature of the topic of investigation, the exploratory character of this study, and the diversity of outcomes in the studies reviewed. Based on our analysis, the strongest outcomes were reduced levels of emotional exhaustion (a dimension of burnout), stress, psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and occupational stress. Improvements were found in terms of mindfulness, personal accomplishment (a dimension of burnout), (occupational) self-compassion, quality of sleep, and relaxation.
CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review suggest that MBSR may help to improve psychological functioning in employees.
PMID: 29364935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191332