Journal Summary: Effects of Mindfulness-Based Therapy and Counseling Group on Emotional Intelligence

🧠 Journal Summary: Effects of Mindfulness-Based Therapy and Counseling Group on Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness of Clinical Psychology Students

Authors: Phamornpun Yurayat, Patcharin Katsatasri, Gamon Savatsomboon

Published In: International Education Studies

🔍 Study Summary

This study investigated the impact of mindfulness-based group therapy and counseling on the emotional well-being of clinical psychology students. The main goal was to assess how such interventions could affect their emotional intelligence, mindfulness, stress levels, happiness, self-compassion, and compassion for others.

The researchers used a quasi-experimental design with fourteen fourth-year undergraduate clinical psychology students in northeastern Thailand, who were selected due to slightly elevated stress levels.

💡 Key Concepts

• Emotional Intelligence (EI): The ability to skillfully identify, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, while also empathizing with the emotions of others. It helps individuals navigate difficult situations with resilience and make informed decisions.
• Mindfulness: The practice of being fully aware of the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. It enhances mental clarity and emotional stability. Mindfulness-based therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms while improving mental health and happiness.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT): A therapeutic approach that utilizes mindfulness techniques to improve emotional well-being and reduce stress.

📊 Key Insights

• Immediately after the intervention and three months later, participants showed significantly higher levels of emotional intelligence, mindfulness, happiness, self-compassion, and compassion for others compared to before the intervention.
• Stress levels significantly decreased after the intervention and remained lower three months later.
• The findings suggest that incorporating mindfulness-based therapy and counseling can effectively enhance emotional well-being and reduce stress among clinical psychology students.
• Clinical psychology students often face challenges like stress and burnout during their professional training due to factors like feelings of incompetence, excessive workload, and constant evaluation.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for medical personnel as it positively influences physical, mental, and social well-being by improving emotional resilience, social support, empathy, and job satisfaction, while also reducing stress and burnout.

📘 Example Application

In a university setting, a student support center could implement a mandatory or elective mindfulness-based therapy and counseling program for clinical psychology students, particularly those in their practical training or internships. This program could include weekly group sessions focusing on mindfulness exercises, emotional regulation techniques, and self-compassion practices.

The goal would be to equip students with tools to manage the high stress and emotional demands of their studies and future careers, thereby improving their overall well-being and professional effectiveness, similar to the positive outcomes observed in this study.

💬 Comment from Dr. Dwi Suryanto

These findings are very important because they highlight practical ways to support the mental health of future clinical psychologists, who will be responsible for helping others manage their mental well-being.

By fostering emotional intelligence and mindfulness early in their education, we can help them build resilience, manage stress, and become more empathetic and effective professionals. This, in turn, can lead to better patient care and a healthier workforce in the mental health field.

📌 Takeaway

Mindfulness-based therapy and counseling are effective tools for enhancing emotional intelligence and reducing stress, proving crucial for the well-being and professional development of clinical psychology students.