This interventional study evaluates the effectiveness of two 10-week self-regulation training programs (coaching-based and mindfulness-based) designed to enhance mental health and employability resources among healthcare workers (HCWs). Participants are allocated into two intervention arms based on their baseline level of emotional self-regulation. The study applies a non-randomized controlled pre-test/post-test design. The primary outcome is change in employability. Secondary outcomes include mental health indicators, such as perceived stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms and self-regulation. A follow-up assessment was conducted six weeks after the post-test. Additionally, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants' subjective experiences with the interventions.
This interventional study employed a non-randomized, parallel-group, pre-test/post-test design to examine the impact of two different behavioral interventions on healthcare workers' (HCWs) psychological resources and employability. Participant Allocation: Participants were allocated into two study arms based on their initial level of emotional self-regulation, measured by the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ) at baseline. This tailored approach ensured that participants received the intervention most suited to their current psychological needs. Study Arms and Interventions: 1. Mindfulness Training Program: Participants with lower baseline self-regulation scores underwent a 10-week mindfulness-based intervention. This program focused on emotional stabilization, stress management, and cognitive processing using meditative techniques, relaxation, and reflective writing. 2. Coaching Training Program: Participants with optimal/higher baseline self-regulation scores participated in a 10-week professional coaching program. This intervention focused on identifying core challenges, leveraging personal strengths, and setting actionable career goals to enhance professional growth and employability. Data Collection and Methodology: Quantitative data were collected at three time points: Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 10), and a Follow-up assessment (Week 16). The primary focus was the change in employability scores, with secondary measures tracking anxiety, perceived stress, and general well-being. Qualitative Component: To provide a deeper understanding of the intervention's impact, a qualitative component was included. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants after the program completion. These interviews explored subjective experiences and perceived changes in professional life, and the data were subsequently processed using thematic analysis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
54
The coaching program is a ten-week intervention based on a meta-analysis of employability training programs. It helps participants identify core professional challenges and personal strengths. Participants work on setting specific goals, creating action plans, and following up on execution. The primary aim is to empower healthcare workers to take actions that reduce stress and improve mental health to support better long-term employability.
The mindfulness program is a ten-week intervention designed for participants with lower baseline self-regulation. It focuses on developing skills such as stress management, emotion regulation, and cognitive processing. The program utilizes a combination of meditative mindfulness, relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and reflective writing. The aim is to achieve an optimal level of self-regulation to reduce anxious or depressive thoughts and promote employability.
Comenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences
Bratislava, Slovakia, Slovakia
Change in overall employability score
Employability was assessed using the Dispositional Measure of Employability (Employability Scale). The scale consists of 25 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Total average scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater employability.
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test), 10 weeks (Post-test), and 16 weeks (Follow-up)
Change in Mental Health Indicators: Change in Self-Regulation
Self-regulation will be assessed using the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire. The instrument contains 20 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with total average scores ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate better self-regulation.
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test), 10 weeks (Post-test), and 16 weeks (Follow-up)
Change in Mental Health Indicators: Change in Perceived Employability
Perceived employability will be measured using the Perceived Employability Scale (3-item version). Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with total average scores ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate higher perceived employability (better outcome).
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test), 10 weeks (Post-test), and 16 weeks (Follow-up)
Change in Mental Health Indicators: Change in Psychological Well-Being
Psychological well-being will be assessed using the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index. The scale includes 5 items rated from 0 to 5. The total score is multiplied by four, resulting in a total score of 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater psychological well-being (better outcome) and lower scores indicate depression.
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test), 10 weeks (Post-test), and 16 weeks (Follow-up)
Change in Mental Health Indicators: Change in Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety symptoms will be measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale. The scale consists of 7 items rated from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), with total scores ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety symptom severity (worse outcome)
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test), 10 weeks (Post-test), and 16 weeks (Follow-up)
Change in Mental Health Indicators: Change in Perceived Stress
Perceived stress will be assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale - 4 Item Version. The scale includes 4 items rated from 0 to 4, yielding total scores ranging from 0 to 16. Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress (worse outcome)
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test), 10 weeks (Post-test), and 16 weeks (Follow-up)
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