Issue:
There is increasing awareness of the effects of workplace stress on the development of psychological problems, mental health conditions, depression, substance abuse and mood and anxiety disorders among nurses, firefighters, police officers, prison wardens, paramedics and other personnel involved in public safety. Currently, there appears to be no psychological resilience programs being delivered systematically to Manitoba workers employed in high stress occupations.
Objectives:
This is a two-phase study that would pilot an intervention to prevent mental health disorders and build resilience among workers in high-stress occupations. The planned intervention is a program known as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (M-CBT) which is a psychological therapy designed to prevent relapses in depression. The proposed study aims to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions among members of the police force, firefighters, paramedics, and nurses who are well and who are not diagnosed with mental health conditions.
The objectives in Phase Two of the study is to conduct a randomized control trial (RCT) comprising of three groups: participants who will take the M-CBT classes, participants who will take Online M-CBT, and participants who are on a waiting list. A total of 120 participants will be recruited from the police force, firefighters, paramedics, and nurses and randomized into the RCT groups. The study team will assess baseline, post-intervention and a three month follow-up of symptom measures, acceptability of the interventions, and follow-up rates.
Anticipated Results:
The findings will help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions among members of the police force, firefighters, paramedics, and nurses who are well and who are not diagnosed with mental health conditions. The work will fill a major gap in the field, and has the potential to provide a cost-effective mental health promotion strategy that could be accessible to a wide range of professionals who regularly face high levels of occupational stress.
Investigators:
Jitender Sareen, University of Manitoba; Tanya Sala; Jacquelyne Wong; Debbie Whitney; Pam Holens; Jolene Kinley; Natalie Mota; Laurence Y. Katz; Sarvesh Logsetty; University of Manitoba;
R. Nicholas Carleton; Gordon J.G. Asmundson; Heather Hadjistavropoulos; University of Regina.
