Mitigating burnout and distress among Chinese social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic through online mindfulness-based interventions

Abstract

SummaryThis study compares the efficacy of 8-week online instructorguided mindfulness (IGM) and self-guided mindfulness (SGM) interventions in reducing burnout and distress among social workers in Shanghai during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. By employing a quasi-experimental design, we recruited frontline social workers who had the option of joining either the IGM or the SGM group. The primary outcomes were burnout and job-related stress, while the secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, stress, positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, mindfulness level, and daily spiritual and spiritual enlightenment experiences. T-tests and Cohen's d were used to calculate effect sizes. Repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA analyses were also conducted to examine the group-by-time interaction after controlling the variables between the two groups.FindingsIn total, 208 social workers participated in the study. Among them, 142 (80.3% female; average age = 37.54) and 66 (75.8% female; average age = 36.91) joined the IGM and SGM groups, respectively. After the intervention, the IGM group demonstrated a significant reduction in primary outcomes, whereas the SGM group's increased significantly. The IGM group showed significant large reduction in primary outcomes compared with the SGM group. Both groups demonstrated group by time interaction effect on primary outcomes and some secondary outcomes.ApplicationsThese results highlighted the importance of incorporating mindfulness interventions to support the well-being and resilience of frontline social workers. Future studies could integrate IGM and SGM practices into existing support programs for social workers, aiming to mitigate burnout, enhance mindfulness, and promote spiritual well-being Keywords: Stress, Spirituality, Social workers, Intervention, Mental health.