There is no conflict of interest.
Highlights
- The study's objective was to examine the impact of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program for police officers on health outcomes.
- This study used a randomized controlled trial to assign officers to the MBSR group or a waitlist control group. Study data were collected from behavioral assessments, as well as blood, saliva, and hair samples. The authors used statistical models to compare the outcomes of the treatment and control groups immediately after participation and again 3 months later.
- The study found that the MBSR program led to significant improvements in mental health distress and sleep quality of police officers, with improvements enduring up to 3 months after the conclusion of the intervention.
- This study receives high evidence rating. This means we are confident that the estimated effects are attributable to the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, and not to other factors.
Intervention Examined
Features of the Intervention
In 2018, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program was developed for police officers to improve their mental health and reduce stress and aggression. This program included 18 hours of tailored mindfulness training over eight weeks, focusing on the unique needs of law enforcement. It featured weekly two-hour sessions and a special four-hour session in the seventh week. The training covered mindfulness basics, stress management, and emotional control, as well as techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, body scanning, and tai chi. Participants received guided practices and were encouraged to practice six days a week, starting with nine minutes a day and gradually increasing to 20 minutes, while also incorporating informal mindfulness activities into their daily lives.
Features of the Study
The study was a randomized controlled trial conducted in Madison, Wisconsin. The study sample included 114 police officers from three law enforcement agencies: Dane County Sheriff ’s Office, Madison Police Department, and University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department. There were no specific criteria for study inclusion, but those with extensive meditation experience or prior mindfulness class participation were not included. After completing the baseline assessment, 57 officers were randomly assigned to the treatment group and 57 officers were randomly assigned to the control group. Over 80% of the participants in both groups were White, more than 50% were men, and at least 60% held a four-year college degree. The average age of officers in both groups was 40, with an average of 14 years of law enforcement experience. Officers in the treatment group received the mindfulness training, while those in the control group were put on a waitlist to receive the training after the study ended.
Data sources included a baseline assessment, self-report behavioral assessments related to stress and health (distress, pain, physical health, occupational stress, and sleep disturbance), and biological samples (saliva, hair, and blood). All study participants completed the self-report assessment and provided blood and hair samples immediately post-intervention and 3 months later. A week following each assessment, participants also took daily saliva samples to measure cortisol levels. A Fitbit tracked sleep and heart rate data. The study team used statistical models to compare differences in outcomes between the treatment and control groups while controlling for sex and years of police experience.
Findings
Health and safety
- The study found that MBSR participants had significantly lower mental health distress symptoms both immediately following the intervention and 3 months later relative to participants in the control group.
- The study also found that MBSR participants experienced significantly improved sleep at the 3-month follow-up compared to participants in the control group.
- The study found no significant differences between the groups in pain, physical health, occupational stress, cortisol, and inflammation at either time point.
Considerations for Interpreting the Findings
The data collection for the immediate post-intervention phase varied, with some participants being assessed up to 4 weeks after the intervention instead of immediately. For the 3-month follow-up, some participants were assessed nearly 4 months post-intervention rather than the intended 3 months. The delays in data collection were influenced by the authors' preference to conduct assessments on participants' non-workdays, as well as challenges such as staffing issues, cancellations, and other practical considerations.
Causal Evidence Rating
Additional Sources
Grupe, D. W., Smith, C., & McGehee, C. (2021). Introducing Mindfulness Training and Research into Policing: Strategies for Successful Implementation. In E. Arble & B. B. Arnetz (Eds.), Interventions, Training, and Technologies for Improved Police Well-Being and Performance (pp. 125-149). IGI Global.
Research Guidelines
Review Protocol: Living Systematic Annual Search and Review Protocol
Review Guidelines: Causal Evidence Guidelines