Fostering an affiliative environment in residential youth care: A cluster randomized trial of a compassionate mind training program for caregivers enrolling youth and their caregivers

Santos, Laura; Pinheiro, Margarida M.; Rijo, Daniel

doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106122

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…This would facilitate feelings of safeness with others and help to improve emotion regulation (Preckel et al, 2018 ; Vachon, 2016 ). Alongside the cultivation of compassion (Santos et al, 2022b , 2023b ), the CMT-Care Homes was expected to reduce suffering and psychological distress as well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first compassion-based program delivered to caregivers working in RYC settings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Effects of the Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers on Professional Quality of Life and Mental Health: Outcomes from a Cluster Randomized Trial in Residential Youth Care Settings

Santos

Pinheiro

Rijo

2023

Child Youth Care Forum

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Background Psychological distress is highly noticeable among caregivers working in residential youth care (RYC). Maintaining and enhancing caregivers’ professional mental health and quality of life is crucial to achieve effective outcomes in RYC. Nevertheless, trainings to protect caregivers’ mental health are scarce. Considering the buffering effect over negative psychological outcomes, compassion training could be beneficial in RYC. Objective This study is part of a Cluster Randomized Trial examining the effects of the Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers (CMT-Care Homes), looking at professional quality of life and mental health of caregivers working in RYC. Method The sample was composed of 127 professional caregivers from 12 Portuguese residential care homes (RCH). RCHs were randomly allocated at experimental (N = 6) and control group (N = 6). Participants were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3 and 6-month follow-ups, answering to the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Program effects were tested using a two-factor mixed MANCOVA, with self-critical attitude and education degree as covariates. Results MANCOVA showed a significant Time × Group interaction effects (F = 1.890, p = .014; $${\eta }_{p}^{2}$$ η p 2 = .050), with CMT-Care Homes participants presenting lower scores on burnout, anxiety, and depression at 3 and 6-months follow-ups, when compared with controls. Participants that received CMT-Care Homes considered the program useful to deal with pandemic threats and with youth during lockdowns. Conclusion This study shows the benefits of the CMT-Care Homes in helping professional caregivers reducing burnout, anxiety and depression, and dealing with pandemic challenges in RYC. Trial registration: This cluster randomized trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (TRN: NCT04512092) on 6th August 2020.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This study is part of a Cluster Randomized Trial (CRT) aiming to test the effectiveness of the Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers (CMT-Care Homes) working within RYC settings in several compassion related variables (Santos et al, 2022b , 2023b ). It expands compassion-based approaches to RYC settings.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of the Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers on Professional Quality of Life and Mental Health: Outcomes from a Cluster Randomized Trial in Residential Youth Care Settings

Santos

Pinheiro

Rijo

2023

Child Youth Care Forum

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Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers in Residential Youth Care: Investigating their Experiences Through a Thematic Analysis

Santos,

Pinheiro,

Rijo

2023

Mindfulness

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Objectives Compassion can be valuable in demanding help settings, both to professionals and clients. Nevertheless, compassion-based interventions have not yet been investigated in residential youth care. This qualitative study aimed to examine the caregivers’ experiences with the Compassionate Mind Training program for Caregivers (CMT-Care Homes), as well as their perceptions regarding the barriers/enablers, transfer of learnings, and impact at individual, group, and organizational levels. Method Three focus groups were conducted, enrolling 19 caregivers after their participation in the CMT-Care Homes. Data were examined using thematic analysis. Results Four overarching themes, 10 themes, and 14 subthemes were identified. The CMT-Care Homes seemed to enable the development of the three flows of compassion (i.e., compassion towards others, receive compassion from others, and self-compassion). While the program’s acceptability, practice, and transfer of learnings seem to facilitate compassion, reported difficulties with some formal practices and fears, blocks, and resistances to compassion might be barriers to its development. Knowledge and practices were transferred to work, both at individual and collective levels, increasing caregivers’ emotional health and strengthening team functioning. The program also contributed to improve care practices and to promote an affiliative organizational climate. Indirect impact on youth was also reported, regarding their reactions to the caregivers’ compassionate attitudes. Conclusions Findings demonstrated promising benefits of the CMT-Care Homes in residential youth care settings, at personal, team, and organization levels. Compassion was helpful in working with youth, and in regulating caregivers’ own emotions at work. Limitations regarding method and data analysis should be considered.

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Self-Compassion in Qualified and Student Social Workers: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Sessions,

Robertson,

Jones

et al. 2024

Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work

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Fostering an affiliative environment in residential youth care: A cluster randomized trial of a compassionate mind training program for caregivers enrolling youth and their caregivers

Cited by 3 publications

References 79 publications

The Effects of the Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers on Professional Quality of Life and Mental Health: Outcomes from a Cluster Randomized Trial in Residential Youth Care Settings

The Effects of the Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers on Professional Quality of Life and Mental Health: Outcomes from a Cluster Randomized Trial in Residential Youth Care Settings

Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers in Residential Youth Care: Investigating their Experiences Through a Thematic Analysis

Self-Compassion in Qualified and Student Social Workers: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

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