Sammanfattning
Background: The main objective of this study was to investigate
changes in mindfulness, work ability, quality of life, and self-perceived
health after a mindfulness based stress management course. Additionally
it aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in
mindfulness, quality of life, and work ability.
Method: The study has a quasi experimental design, without control
group, with simplified pre- and post design. The sample consisted of
73 adults who attended an 8 week mindfulness based course. Participants
were either on sick leave or were at the risk of being reported
sick. Participants completed measures of mindfulness, work ability,
quality of life and self-perceived health, pre and post the mindfulness
course. Changes in key variables were explored using paired t - tests,
whereas Pearson’s r correlation analyses were used to examine associations.
Results: Levels of mindfulness, quality of life, work ability, and
self-perceived health increased significantly from pre- to posttest. Moreover,
there was a strong correlation between the change in mindfulness
and quality of life, and moderate correlation between the change
in mindfulness and work ability.
Conclusion: This study suggests that mindfulness is an element that
may promote health, thus it may also have an impact on sick leave.