The effects of a tailored mindfulness-based program on the positive mental health of resident physicians: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Medical residency is a challenging phase that puts the mental health of resident physicians at risk. This study explores the effects of a tailored mindfulness-based program on the positive mental health of resident physicians. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal randomized controlled trial with an active control group. The intervention group took part in an 8-week mindfulness-based program (MBP) that included a course book and was followed by a 4-month maintenance phase. The control group only received the course book for self-study. Participants were assessed at 0, 2, 6, and 12 months. Assessments included self-report measures (positive affect, life-satisfaction, self-compassion, flourishing, self-esteem, feeling loved, self-attributed mindfulness, time perception, "Muße" (i.e., feeling at ease and free of pressure), thriving at work, job satisfaction, self-efficacy, self-esteem), as well as Goal Attainment Scaling. Results: A total of 147 resident physicians were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group. In linear mixed models, we found small to medium effects for the interaction of time × group across various time points for self-compassion, flourishing, mindfulness, Muße, thriving at work, and indirect negative affect with effect sizes ranging between d = 0.25 and 0.88. Goal Attainment Scaling revealed a greater goal attainment in the intervention group compared to the control group (d = 1.50). Conclusions: We conclude that a tailored MBP may improve certain aspects of resident physicians' positive mental health. Trial Registration: DRKS00014015 05/24/2018