It is important to identify factors that could explain resilience to compassion fatigue because compassion fatigue has negative consequences not only for nurses themselves but for the patients in their care.

The incidence of dissociative identity disorder (DID) is strongly correlated with exposure to serious physical and sexual abuse. Although studies of more than 1,000 DID sufferers indicate that severe child abuse is a predisposing factor in 95% to 98% of cases (B. Braun, 1988), abuse alone is not, in fact, predictive of DID (B. Rind & P. Tromovitch, 1997). Disorganized/disoriented attachment style and the absence of social and familial support, in combination with abuse history, best predict DID (D. Howe, 2006; R. Kluft, 1984; K. Lyons-Ruth, L. Dutra, M. Schuder, & I. Bianchi, 2006). Individuals who are securely attached are less likely to develop serious psychopathology in the event of abuse and are more likely to build a strong extrafamilial system of support--also a protective factor against psychopathology (S. Asher & J. Parker, 1989; D. Howe, M. Brandon, D. Hinings, & G. Schofield, 1999; G. Ladd & B. Golter, 1988). Recognition of the significance of secure attachment and familial and social support as protective factors against the development of DID suggests social intervention as an important area of research to mitigate the psychological consequences of insecure attachment, social disconnection, and abuse.

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The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel three-hour Guided Mindfulness Program on participants’ management of depression, anxiety and stress. The intervention included an educational component emphasizing the psychological value of mindfulness practice combined with a practical training component in mindfulness techniques. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale was administered at three points in time before and after participation in the program. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore perceived quality of life, happiness, and stress 4 to 8 weeks following the program. All participants reported improvements in overall well-being and reported significant decreases in negative affect when comparing pre-program scores (baseline) to follow-up scores. Notably, qualitative interview results indicated that participants attributed most positive post-program results to informal mindfulness practice.

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