Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction course on stress, mindfulness, job self-efficacy and motivation among unemployed people

Abstract

The current study examines the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on participants receiving unemployment benefit payments. A pretest posttest control group design was used. The participants ( N = 43) were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group followed the mindfulness-based stress reduction program in a group-setting with a trainer whereas the control group did not receive any training. All the participants received a pre-test and a post-test. Stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale, mindfulness with the Questionnaire on Everyday Experiences, self-efficacy with regard to finding a job with the Job Seeking Self-Efficacy Scale and motivation was measured with a questionnaire developed by the researchers. The results showed that stress symptoms had reduced and the focus on everyday activities had increased in the experimental group setting. Confidence in being able to find a job also increased. With respect to motivation to go to job interviews, no increase was found between the initial and final measurements for either group.