The Impact of Mindfulness Practice on Mental Health Service Providers-in-Training: An Examination of Mindfulness, Self-Awareness, Empathy, and Burnout

Abstract

The current study used a true experimental design, with wait-list control, to determine if the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program would increase levels of mindfulness, self-awareness, and empathy, while decreasing levels of burnout among graduate level mental health service providers-in-training. Self-report measures were used to assess the dependent variables before the start of the MBSR program, at completion of the program, and four weeks after the MBSR program ended. Data from 16 total participants (8 in each group) were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVAs with a between-subjects factor. Results indicated that the MBSR program did not lead to an increase in levels of mindfulness, self-awareness, or empathy, or a decrease in burnout for the treatment group. Information regarding the nature of the stressors encountered by graduate level mental health service providers-in-training was obtained.