Cultivating Compassion and Reducing Depersonalization through Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Critical Care Nurses

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of depersonalization among critical care nurses prior to the implementation of the MBCT, to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as a psychological intervention to manage depersonalization among critical care nurses.

Study Design: A quasi-experimental study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Critical Care Units of Al-Hussein Medical City and Imam Al-Hassan Al-Mujtaba Teaching Hospital, in Karbala, Iraq from 7th June 2024 to 13th November 2024.

Methods: This study was conducted involving 88 critical care nurses. Both male and female nurses with at least one year of experience in critical care units who voluntarily agreed to participate. Owing to the specialized nature of critical care units, participants in the study group were assigned to sessions comprising 2 to 5 individuals each. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention (n=43) or a control group (n=45). The intervention group participated in an eight-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program, while the control group continued with their routine work schedule. Both groups completed the depersonalization subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory prior to and following the intervention.

Results: Both groups had high depersonalization at baseline (p=0.196). Post-intervention, the experimental group declined from 10.6 to 4.86 (54.1% reduction; p<0.001, d=1.38), while the control group remained unchanged significantly from 11.7 to 10.9; p=0.432, d=0.02). Between-group differences were significant (p<0.001, d=1.57). Improvements were greatest among male nurses, those with insufficient income, and those employed in both government and private hospitals.

Conclusion: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is an effective intervention for reducing high levels of depersonalization among critical care nurses, suggesting its potential as a valuable psychological support strategy in high-stress healthcare environments.