Developing self-compassion and well-being with a hybrid mindfulness-based intervention: Lessons learned from health professions students, faculty and staff.
Sophie R Kaufman, John Damiao, Esma D Paljevic, Christine Lazaros Amendola, Colleen Camenisch, Maren Westphal
Journal of American college health : J of ACH June 25, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2025.2516604 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA hybrid mindfulness-based intervention was tested with 73 health profession students and faculty/staff at a Northeastern university. Self-compassion scores improved significantly after the program, while perceived stress showed no statistically significant change. Well-being improved significantly for faculty/staff. The pilot study suggests that a hybrid mindfulness approach may help boost self-compassion and well-being in demanding healthcare environments.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pretest-post-test design Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 73 |
| Population | Health profession students (Physician Assistant, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy) and faculty/staff in a Northeastern university |
| Intervention | hybrid mindfulness-based intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Health profession students Mindfulness intervention mindfulness Program Hybrid approach |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Participation in a hybrid mindfulness-based intervention was associated with a statistically significant improvement in self-compassion and a significant improvement in well-being for faculty/staff, but no significant change in perceived stress. |
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine whether participation in a hybrid mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) is associated with lower level of perceived stress, and higher levels of self-compassion and well-being. Participants: Participants were 73 students (Physician Assistant, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy) and faculty/staff in a Northeastern university. Methods: This study employed a quantitative pretest, post-test design in which MBI outcomes were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale, the short Self-Compassion Scale, and the Well-Being Index through a Wilcoxon test. Results: Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis reveal a statistically significant improvement in self-compassion scores (Z = 3.254, p = .001); non-statistically significant improvements in perceived stress (Z = .909, p = .364); and a statistically significant improvement in well-being scores for faculty/staff (Z = 1.841, p = .066). Conclusion: This pilot study highlights the potential of a hybrid MBI to help health professions students and faculty/staff improve self-compassion and well-being.