Mindfulness-based resilience training to reduce health risk, stress reactivity, and aggression among law enforcement officers: A feasibility and preliminary efficacy trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) for law enforcement officers.
Results Summary
MBRT participants showed significant reductions in salivary cortisol, aggression, stress, burnout, and sleep disturbance, along with increased psychological flexibility and non-reactivity post-training, but these benefits were not sustained at three-month follow-up.
Population
Law enforcement officers (n = 61).
Effective Dosage
8-week MBRT course (specific frequency not detailed).
Duration
8 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) | neutral | feasibility | law enforcement officers | - | demonstrated feasibility | #1 |
Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) | decrease | salivary cortisol | law enforcement officers | - | greater reductions | #2 |
Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) | decrease | self-reported aggression | law enforcement officers | - | greater reductions | #3 |
Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) | decrease | organizational stress | law enforcement officers | - | greater reductions | #4 |
Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) | decrease | burnout | law enforcement officers | - | greater reductions | #5 |
Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) | decrease | sleep disturbance | law enforcement officers | - | greater reductions | #6 |
Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) | increase | psychological flexibility | law enforcement officers | - | reported increases | #7 |
Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) | increase | non-reactivity | law enforcement officers | - | reported increases | #8 |
Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) | no change | group differences | law enforcement officers | - | were not maintained | #9 |
Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) | neutral | key physiological, psychological, and health risk factors | law enforcement officers | - | targets | #10 |
The primary objective of this study was to assess feasibility and gather preliminary outcome data on Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) for law enforcement officers. Participants (n = 61) were randomized to either an 8-week MBRT course or a no intervention control group. Self-report and physiological data were collected at baseline, post-training, and three months following intervention completion. Attendance, adherence, post-training participant feedback, and interventionist fidelity to protocol all demonstrated feasibility of MBRT for law enforcement officers. Compared to no intervention controls, MBRT participants experienced greater reductions in salivary cortisol, self-reported aggression, organizational stress, burnout, sleep disturbance, and reported increases in psychological flexibility and non-reactivity at post-training; however, group differences were not maintained at three-month follow-up. This initial randomized trial suggests MBRT is a feasible intervention. Outcome data suggest MBRT targets key physiological, psychological, and health risk factors in law enforcement officers, consistent with the potential to improve officer health and public safety. However, follow-up training or "booster" sessions may be needed to maintain training gains. A fully powered longitudinal randomized trial is warranted.