Research: VAN GORDON and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 274

Abstract

VAN GORDON and COLLEAGUES, 1. Centre for Psychological Research, University of Derby , Derby, Derbyshire, UK; 2. Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University , Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK; 3.  Awake to Wisdom Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness Research , Ragusa, Italy; 4. Psychology Division, Bishop Grosseteste University , Lincoln, UK; 5.  Miguel Servet University Hospital, University of Zaragoza , Zaragoza, Spain; 6. Department of Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), "Mente Aberta" - Brazilian Centre for Mindfulness and Health Promotion , Sao Paulo, Brazil; 7. Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , Sao Paulo, Brazil conducted a controlled trial to investigate the effects of an second-generation mindfulness-based interventions (SG-MBI) known as meditation awareness training (MAT) on workaholism.

Background

Workaholism is a form of behavioral addiction that can lead to reduced life and job satisfaction, anxiety, depression, burnout, work-family conflict, and impaired productivity.

Methodology

Given the number of people affected, there is a need for more targeted workaholism treatments. Findings from previous case studies successfully utilizing second-generation mindfulness-based interventions (SG-MBIs) for treating behavioral addiction suggest that SG-MBIs may be suitable for treating workaholism. This study conducted a controlled trial to investigate the effects of an SG-MBI known as meditation awareness training (MAT) on workaholism. Methods Male and female adults suffering from workaholism (n = 73) were allocated to MAT or a waiting-list control group. Assessments were performed at pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up phases.

Results

MAT participants demonstrated significant and sustained improvements over control-group participants in workaholism symptomatology, job satisfaction, work engagement, work duration, and psychological distress. Furthermore, compared to the control group, MAT participants demonstrated a significant reduction in hours spent working but without a decline in job performance. Discussion and conclusions MAT may be a suitable intervention for treating workaholism.

Conclusion

Further controlled intervention studies investigating the effects of SG-MBIs on workaholism are warranted.

References

Van Gordon W1,2, Shonin E3, Dunn TJ4, Garcia-Campayo J5, Demarzo MMP6,7, Griffiths MD2. Meditation awareness training for the treatment of workaholism: A controlled trial. J Behav Addict. 6(2):212-220. doi: 10.1556/2006.6.2017.021. Epub 2017 Apr 20. Jun 1 2017.

Comment

The above controlled trial indicated that meditation awareness training (MAT) may be a suitable intervention for workaholism.

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