Effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy for Management of Occupational Stress and Work Family Conflict among University Faculty

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy in reducing stress among university faculty. A single subject design or small n with pre and post assessment was implemented on the sample of 5 participants. It was hypothesized that MBSR intervention will reduce stress and enhance mindfulness among university faculty. In order to measure the variables, Occupational Stress Questionnaire OSQ, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale MASS, Work and Family Conflict Scale WAFCS and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale DASS were used. The results of the study supported the hypothesis. All the research participants showed decreased in stress and increase in level of mindfulness. Thus MBSR is effective in managing stress generated by work and family conflict among university faculty. It can also be applied to primary and secondary school teachers. Apart from university faculty other professionals like bankers, hospital staff and doctors, social workers, athletes, artists, corps, engineers and statisticians who also experience great level of stress can benefit from it. Further researches can be done on psychological issues, mental disorder and people suffering from severe physical illnesses.