Mindfulness-based Practices in Workers to Address Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review.
Quentin Durand-moreau, Tanya Jackson, Danika Deibert, Charl Els, Janice Y Kung, Sebastian Straube
Safety and health at work September 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.07.006
Summary
Mindfulness techniques show limited effectiveness in improving mental health among workers. A systematic review analyzed 4,407 records, ultimately including 202 for full-text evaluation and just two studies. In one study, 9-month follow-ups revealed marginal improvement in depression scores (standardized mean difference: -0.06) but worsened anxiety scores (SMD: 0.15). The second study found no significant changes after mindfulness-based cognitive therapy compared to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Overall, evidence does not support substantial benefits of mindfulness practices for mental health in occupational groups.
Abstract
The effectiveness of mindfulness techniques in addressing mental health conditions in workers is uncertain. However, it could represent a therapeutic tool for workers presenting with such conditions. Our objective was to assess the effects of mindfulness-based practices for workers diagnosed with mental health conditions. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Participants included were workers with a mental health condition. Interventions included any mindfulness technique, compared to any nonmindfulness interventions. Outcomes were scores on validated psychiatric rating scales. A total of 4,407 records were screened; 202 were included for full-text analysis; 2 studies were included. The first study (Finnes et al., 2017) used Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) associated or not with Workplace Dialogue Intervention (WDI), compared to treatment as usual. At 9 months follow-up, for the ACT group, depression scores improved marginally (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.06, p = 0.021), but anxiety scores were worse (SMD: 0.15, p = 0.036). Changes in mental health outcomes were not statistically significant for the ACT + WDI group. In the second study (Grensman et al., 2018), no statistically significant change in mental health scales has been observed after completion of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy. Substantial heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. This systematic review did not find evidence that mindfulness-based practices provide a durable and substantial improvement of mental health outcomes in workers diagnosed with mental health conditions.