Authors:
Myriam Rudaz, Michael P. Twohig, Clarissa W. Ong, & Michael E. Levin
Abstract:
This review summarizes the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to foster self-care and reduce stress in mental health professionals. Twenty-four quantitative articles from PsycInfo and PubMed were identified that focused on mindfulness, self-compassion, psychological flexibility, stress, burnout, or psychological well-being. All MBSR and MBCT studies lacked active control conditions, but some of the ACT studies and one MSC study included an active control. Most studies support evidence that all training programs tend to improve mindfulness and some also self-compassion. In addition, psychological flexibility was measured in the ACT studies and tends to improve over time. Further, MBSR, MSC, and ACT tend to reduce stress or burnout. The results were less supportive for psychological well-being. The value of the various training adaptations as well as directions for future research are discussed.