Mindfulness and Understanding of Self-Care for Leaders of Extension

Promoting Well-Being for Health Educators and Their Clients

Bibliographic Data

ID22089920
AuthorsAnna Dysart (0000-0003-0127-7370, Virginia Tech, corresponding author), Samantha M Harden (0000-0003-3520-2457, Virginia Tech)
Year2022
Volume10
Pages862366-862366
Publication date2022-05-13
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2022.862366
PMID35646779
OpenAlexW4280585428
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited48

Background: Mindfulness and self-care, practiced through a variety of methods like meditation and exercise, can improve overall sense of holistic well-being (i.e., flourishing). Increasing mindfulness and self-care may lead to increased flourishing and job satisfaction among the nation-wide Cooperative Extension system delivery personnel (agents) through a theory-based online program and an extended experiential program. Methods: statewide listservs. Participants were invited to attend sessions and complete competency checks and between-session assignments each week. The study was conducted using Zoom. Pre- and post- program surveys included validated scales for flourishing and physical activity status. Due to high demand for mindfulness programing during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, experiential "Mindful Meet-up" 30-minute sessions were held on Zoom. Dissemination and implementation of the two differing interventions (i.e., MUSCLE and Mindful Meet-ups) were examined. Results: MUSCLE (more intensive program with assignments and competency checks) had lower reach, and did not show statistically increased flourishing or physical activity. Mindful Meet-ups had higher attendance and proportional reach during the beginning of the pandemic, but no practical measure of flourishing or physical activity behaviors. Unsolicited qualitative feedback was encouraging because the interventions were well-received and participants felt as though they were more mindful. Conclusions: While agents anecdotally reported personal improvements, capturing data on outcomes was challenging. Complementing outcome data with implementation and dissemination outcomes allowed for a richer picture to inform intervention decision-making (i.e., offering the same or new programming depending on participant needs)

Health care · Medical education · Mindfulness · Political science · Psychotherapist · Self care · Computer Science · Dietetics, Nutrition, and Education · Grit, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation · Medicine · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Nursing · Psychology

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