An intersubjective study of participants’ and champions’ socio-cultural experiences of a short workplace mindfulness-based intervention

Project Description
The prevalence of mental health disorders including stress, anxiety and depression (SAD) in the workplace is well established both in Ireland and across the EU, and European estimates of associated costs to government and industry are significant - €240 billion per year according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (2015).
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have consistently demonstrated positive outcomes in the treatment of SAD across a range of settings, including in the workplace. As such, the business case for introducing MBIs to address work-related issues of SAD seems clear; nevertheless, socio-cultural and psychosocial contexts in workplaces continue to be problematic, with those conducting empirical research in this area reporting obstacles both to the practise of mindfulness and to the enactment of mindfulness-based behaviours.
A short MBI called ‘Sos’ has been developed by Mindful Nation Ireland in response to the growing evidence of work-based distress in Ireland. This research proposes to conduct an intersubjective qualitative study of the experiences of participants and champions of ‘Sos’.
A qualitative study conducted through a cross-sectional series of one-to-one, face-to-face interviews, is proposed in order to deepen our understanding of the socio-cultural and psychosocial factors which influence its adoption.
Student requirements for this project
Min 2:1 Master’s degree in business or health-related topic and English language proficiency are required. A demonstrable interest in workplace wellbeing, mindfulness, organisational sociology, workplace health promotion or similar topics, along with evidence of publication, is desirable.
To make an application, please complete an Expression of Interest Form available at the link below.