Abstract

Developing clinicians experience many unique stressors during graduate training and must learn to balances these stressors in addition to a heavy academic workload and other personal demands. These circumstances might put developing clinicians at risk for burnout and/or secondary traumatic stress as well as experiencing low levels of compassion satisfaction. Mindfulness training during this time may be helpful in promoting compassion satisfaction and preventing some of the effects of burnout and/or secondary traumatic stress. In order to better understand the relationship between mindfulness training in graduate school and the compassion satisfaction of developing clinicians, a quantitative examination was conducted with 13 graduate students in a clinical psychology master’s program. Quantitative data analysis was conducted to determine any differences in levels of compassion satisfaction before and after engaging in mindfulness training. Compassion satisfaction scores were in the average range at both time points; therefore, no significant difference was found when comparing compassion satisfaction scores before mindfulness training and after engagement in mindfulness training. Limitations regarding research design and characteristics of the selected sample may have contributed to null results. Recommendations for future directions include utilizing a study design with a control group and investigating the relationship between demographic factors, previous engagement in mindfulness/contemplative practices, and compassion satisfaction.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Mindfulness (Psychology); Psychology students -- Mental health; Compassion -- Psychological aspects

Date of Award

2017

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Hall, Susan;

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