Evaluation of Breathworks' Mindfulness for Stress 8-week course: Effects on depressive symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, affects, self-compassion, and mindfulness facets in Brazilian health professionals

Objectives This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of the Breathworks' Mindfulness for Stress 8-week course on depressive and psychiatric symptoms, and on positive and negative affects, compared with active control and wait list. Method A total of 84 primary care health professionals enrolled in the study, in quasi-experimental research design. The scales Beck Depression Inventory, Self-Reporting Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Self-Compassion Scale, and Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire were applied before and after the interventions. Results Depressive symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, and negative affects had a statistically significant decrease before postintervention evaluations in Mindfulness for Stress group, and the levels of self-compassion and observe and non-reactivity dimensions of mindfulness improved after the intervention. Conclusions The Mindfulness for Stress program can be considered a feasible group intervention to improve the mental health of healthcare professionals.