Can Mindfulness Buffer Against Negative Effects of Job Demands for Military and Police Personnel?

J Occup Environ Med. 2023 May 1;65(5):428-436. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002805. Epub 2023 Jan 28.

Abstract

Objective: We examined buffering effects of mindfulness on the relationship between job demands and health (ie, strain, complaints, affect, general health) in high-risk professions with high levels of unavoidable stressors.

Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional and longitudinal data from military ( n = 362) and police personnel ( n = 359).

Results: Study 1 showed that mindfulness buffered the effect of job demands at time 1 on strain and negative affect at time 2. Study 2 showed that mindfulness mitigates the relationship between job demands and strain and health complaints. With higher mindfulness, negative effects of job demands were reduced. Additional analyses reveal which facets of mindfulness are mostly important.

Conclusions: Findings provide evidence for the buffering effects of mindfulness and showed that mindfulness buffers against job demands in work contexts with high levels of stress and risk and a male-oriented culture.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Mindfulness*
  • Police
  • Workplace