The effectiveness of online mindfulness intervention for frontline social workers in China : A quasi-experimental study

Qi Vicky WANG*, Shen LI, Jialin ZHAO, Xiaochen ZHOU, Jia LI

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Other Conference ContributionsPresentation

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers in China must be on the front lines of addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, which may result in high levels of psychological distress and burnout. Mindfulness interventions have been identified as an effective method for promoting wellbeing in response to these obstacles. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an online mindfulness intervention in reducing burnout among Chinese social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: This study employs a quasi-experimental design. In Shanghai, frontline social workers had the option of joining either the intervention group (online mindfulness intervention) or the control group (self-help mindfulness instruction). The primary outcome was burnout, while secondary outcomes included positive and negative affect, mindfulness level, and daily spiritual experience.

Results: In total, 142 (80.3% female; average age = 37.54; standard deviation = 6.90) and 66 (75.8% female; average age = 36.91; standard deviation = 6.28) social workers joined the intervention and control groups, respectively. After eight weeks of mindfulness practice, the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in burnout (cohen's d=-0.21), whereas the control group's burnout score increased significantly (cohen's d=0.27). Moreover, only the intervention group significantly reduced negative affect. In the meantime, both the intervention group and the control group demonstrated significant increases in mindfulness and daily spiritual experience.

Discussion: This study's findings suggest that online mindfulness practice is an effective intervention for reducing burnout and negative affect among frontline social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who engaged in any type of mindfulness practice can have improvement on their level of mindfulness and daily spiritual experience. These results suggest that mindfulness practice, especially the online mindfulness practice may be a useful tool for promoting social workers' mental health and well-being.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 15 Sept 2023
EventThe 19th East Asian Social Policy International Conference: Sustainable Development and Social Policy in East Asia - Sydney, Australia
Duration: 14 Sept 202315 Sept 2023

Conference

ConferenceThe 19th East Asian Social Policy International Conference: Sustainable Development and Social Policy in East Asia
Abbreviated titleEASP
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period14/09/2315/09/23

Keywords

  • social worker
  • healthcare
  • mental health
  • mindfulness
  • quasi-experimental study

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The effectiveness of online mindfulness intervention for frontline social workers in China : A quasi-experimental study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this