A study investigating the impact of a brief compassionate mind training on burnout and self-criticism in mental healthcare professionals

Abstract

The first chapter is a systematic review and meta-analysis which aimed to explore the relationship between self-compassion and compassion towards others among healthcare professionals. The review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines and a multi-base search identified 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the review. Overall, a small positive association was found between self-compassion and compassion towards others. This review offers preliminary support that it may be possible for interventions to target self-compassion to enhance compassionate care among healthcare professionals. Although, due to the cross-sectional nature of the included studies, conclusions regarding a causal relationship is limited. Future research directions are discussed.

The second chapter is an empirical paper which aimed to reduce burnout and self-criticism among mental healthcare professionals using Compassionate Mind Training (CMT; Gilbert, 2000) to increase the three flows of compassion (to self, towards others and from others). In total, 205 mental healthcare professionals participated in Part A of the study, exploring baseline associations between the three flows of compassion, burnout and self-criticism. Cross-sectional analyses revealed significant negative associations between self-compassion and compassion from others and burnout, while compassion towards others negatively associated with client-related burnout only. Burnout positively associated with self-criticism, depression, anxiety and stress. Part B of the study consisted of a randomised controlled trial with 68 mental healthcare professionals. Analyses revealed openness to receiving compassion from others significantly increased and personal and work-related burnout significantly decreased post-intervention. These findings have important clinical implications for understanding and reducing burnout and self-criticism among mental healthcare professionals.

Keywords: Mental Healthcare Professionals, Burnout, Self-Criticism, Compassionate Mind Training, Flows of Compassion, Self-Compassion, Compassion towards Others, Compassion from Others.

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ORCID for Catherine Brignell: orcid.org/0000-0001-7768-6272

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