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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, emotional exhaustion and coping styles of Emergency Nurses: A Randomized Clinical Trial
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  • Wei Sun,
  • Yuan Yuan,
  • Yushu Wang,
  • Yanxia Shao,
  • Dongmei Zeng,
  • Yu Peng
Wei Sun
Army Medical University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Yuan Yuan
Army Medical University
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Yushu Wang
Army Medical University
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Yanxia Shao
Army Medical University
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Dongmei Zeng
Army Medical University
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Yu Peng
Army Medical University
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Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most prevalent mental health issues among emergency nurses, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a scarcity of empirical studies on improving PTSD and related symptoms. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program in reducing PTSD symptoms, emotional exhaustion, and coping styles among emergency nurses. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 74 emergency nurses experiencing symptoms of PTSD who were recruited from two hospitals. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=38) or the comparison group (n=36) using a random number calculation procedure. The intervention group received an 8-week MBSR program, while the comparison group had the option to receive the same training upon completion of the study. Self-reported data on mindfulness, PTSD symptoms, emotional exhaustion, and coping styles were evaluated at baseline, after treatment, and 1-month of follow-up. Results: Participants in the MBSR group showed a significant improvement in PTSD symptoms (M(I-J)=-7.789, P<0.001, 95% CI=3.642~11.937), emotional exhaustion (M(I-J)=4.763, P=0.004, 95%CI=1.274~8.253) and mindfulness (M(I-J)=-7.421, P<0.001, 95%CI=-12.349~2.493) after treatment. These effects were sustained up to 1-month follow-up. No significant improvement in coping style was observed in any of the subjects. Conclusion: MBSR is feasible and effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and emotional exhaustion among emergency nurses. However, it has a lesser effect on coping styles. MBSR has the potential to alleviate the psychological impact of occupational stress on nurses.
06 Feb 2024Submitted to Journal of Clinical Psychology
07 Feb 2024Assigned to Editor
07 Feb 2024Submission Checks Completed
16 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Feb 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned