Mindfulness Training for Burnout

Overseen By Ekaterina Denkova, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Miami

Disqualifiers: Untreated mental health, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how mindfulness training, specifically Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT), can improve mental focus and emotional well-being for first responders. Participants will either join an 8-week mindfulness program or be placed on a waitlist to join later. This trial suits those connected to the Los Angeles County Fire Department peer support group who feel burned out or stressed. Individuals who can use a computer or tablet and have Internet access might qualify, provided they do not have any untreated mental health issues. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative mindfulness techniques that could enhance mental resilience and well-being.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that Mindfulness-Based Attention Training is safe for first responders?

Research has shown that Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT) is generally safe for participants. Many companies use mindfulness training to enhance employee well-being and safety. A review found that mindfulness programs can help prevent burnout and emotional distress, indicating they are usually well-received.

In the studies reviewed, researchers reported no harmful side effects. The program typically includes weekly sessions and daily practice, which participants have integrated into their daily lives. Overall, evidence suggests that MBAT is a safe way to reduce stress and improve emotional resilience. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT) for burnout because it offers a novel approach compared to traditional treatments like therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Unlike standard therapies, MBAT focuses on training participants to enhance their attention and awareness in the present moment, which can help manage stress and reduce burnout symptoms. This method doesn't rely on pharmaceuticals, making it an attractive option for those seeking non-medicinal interventions. Additionally, MBAT empowers individuals with practical skills they can integrate into their daily lives to maintain mental well-being long term.

What evidence suggests that Mindfulness-Based Attention Training is effective for burnout?

Research shows that mindfulness-based training, such as Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT), effectively reduces stress and burnout. In this trial, participants in Mindfulness Training Group A will receive MBAT over an 8-week period. Studies have found that these programs improve mental health among healthcare workers by boosting resilience and job satisfaction. Participants in similar mindfulness programs reported immediate stress relief, with reductions ranging from 8.41% to 49.05%. These programs also link to better quality of life and increased self-kindness. Overall, evidence suggests that MBAT could enhance emotional well-being and mental skills in high-stress jobs like those of first responders. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Amishi Jha

Principal Investigator

University of Miami

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for first responders experiencing burnout. Participants should be actively working in a high-stress role such as police, fire services, or EMS and looking to improve their mental well-being.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants in all phases of the study must be individuals who are affiliated with the Los Angeles County Fire Department

Individuals who are fluent English speakers

Individuals who are willing and able to consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

I have not been hospitalized for mental health issues in the past month and do not have untreated mental health problems.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Mindfulness Training

Participants receive mindfulness training for cognitive abilities and emotional well-being

4 weeks

Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in resilience, affect, decentering, cognitive failures, mindfulness, stress, and anxiety

7 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT)

Trial Overview The study tests Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT), focusing on enhancing cognitive abilities and emotional health among first responders.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Mindfulness Training Group A Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will receive mindfulness training in up to 8 weeks.

Group II: Wait-list condition Group B Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will be on a waiting list to receive the identical intervention as the experimental group at a later time. Total participation in the mindfulness training will be 8 weeks

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Miami

Lead Sponsor

Trials

976

Recruited

423,000+

Unlikely Collaborators Inc.

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

120+

Published Research Related to This Trial

An abbreviated Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program consisting of 6 weekly 75-minute sessions can effectively be implemented during staff lunch breaks, making it a practical training option for healthcare providers and clinic staff.

This adapted MBSR program is not only feasible but also well-accepted, suggesting it could enhance the well-being of healthcare workers in a workplace setting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Health Care Staff: Expanding Holistic Nursing Paradigms to the Whole System. Hazlett-Stevens, H.[2021]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10434780/

Effects of a mindfulness-based interventions on stress ... Mindfulness-based training may be a viable intervention for improving the psychological wellbeing of nurses, including reducing stress, burnout.

2. bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-025-03101-0

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on burnout ... Moreover, they promote mental health, reduce burnout, enhance occupational well-being, and foster resilience among nurses, allowing them to ...

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1347336/full

Exploring the sustained impact of the Mindfulness-Based ... The MBSR program appears to be most effective in reducing stress levels shortly after completion. Participants reported immediate benefits in ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0897189722000076

The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on ... The outcome measures were stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, resilience, quality of life, self-compassion, happiness, and the level of mindfulness. Ten ...

5. pub-science.com pub-science.com/journals/index.php/acim/article/view/36

The impact of effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress ... Aggregate data confirm positive outcomes: mindfulness improvements ranged from 3.77% to 26.80%, and stress reductions varied from 8.41% to 49.05 ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10893728/

a program evaluation of faculty-delivered mindfulness-based ... MBAT-Rx consists of weekly, two-hour sessions over four weeks, with 10–15 min of daily mindfulness practice between sessions.

7. rgu-repository.worktribe.com rgu-repository.worktribe.com/OutputFile/1911999

Mindfulness and workplace safety: an integrative review. Currently, many organizations incorporate mindfulness training to benefit both employees and operational safety and quality (Schaufenbuel,. 2015). For instance, ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11151852/

Effects of standardized mindfulness programs on burnout This systematic review shows that mindfulness-based interventions could be approaches of choice to prevent emotional distress of burnout.

9. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-burnout-psychological-5-2025-04718

Mindfulness Training for Burnout · Info for Participants Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT) is unique because it focuses on enhancing awareness and attention in the present moment without judgment, which can ...

10. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ppc.12594

The effects of mindfulness training on resilience and ... Stressed leaders, and those lacking healthy leadership qualities, can manifest poor outcomes such as anxiety, depression, burnout, ineffective ...