Changes in Salivary Immunoglobulin A, Stress, and Burnout in a Workplace Mindfulness Intervention: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of a 6-week workplace mindfulness- and self-compassion-based intervention (MSCBI) on perceived stress, burnout, immune functioning (assessed with the biomarker Immunoglobulin A), self-compassion, and experiential avoidance compared to a Workplace Stress Management Intervention. Both interventions were contextual, i.e., they were carried out in the workplace setting and during working hours. We followed a randomised controlled trial study design. The total sample was composed of 24 employees of an automotive company. One-way analyses of covariance between groups revealed significant differences in post-intervention levels of perceived stress, salivary Immunoglobulin A (sIgA), emotional exhaustion, self-compassion, and experiential avoidance, after adjusting for pre-test scores. The results of this study have several implications. Firstly, it confirms that MSCBIs might be more effective than regular psychoeducational interventions for work-related stress and burnout treatment. Secondly, sIgA can be used to assess immune function state changes when MSCBIs are carried out. Furthermore, these results indicate that it is feasible to carry out MSCBIs within companies and during working hours, and that these interventions can help effectively manage stress and burnout associated with the work environment.

The Effectiveness of a Four-Week Online Mindfulness Training Course on Individual Mindfulness Skills and Personal Perception of Stress in Company Employees Working from Home

“…However, the overall perception of stress was significantly improved in both samples, confirming our second hypothesis. In a different study, Martínez-Borrás et al [ 23 ] found a positive effect of mindfulness training in a work environment as well. However, they only investigated a certain aspect of mindfulness (being compassionate) whereas in our study mindfulness was assessed comprehensively.…”

“…It further anticipates burnout [ 18 , 21 ] with less emotional exhaustion and more job satisfaction [ 22 ]. Moreover, it has been suggested that a mindfulness and self-compassion-based intervention (MSCBI) may even be more effective than regular psychoeducational interventions in treating work-related stress and burnout [ 23 ]. Previous studies, however, were often not fully validated due to a lack of control groups.…”