Resilience and yoga training have additive benefits for mental health of intensive care unit nurses

Abstract

Background: The rigorous demands associated with caring for critically ill patients place intensive care unit (ICU) nurses at a heightened risk for mental health issues.

Aim: This study investigated the individual and combined benefits of two distinct intervention strategies, resilience training and yoga training, on enhancing the mental health of ICU nurses.

Setting: Hospitals located in Bitlis Province, Turkey.

Methods: A sample of 84 participants was chosen and randomly and equally allocated to resilience, yoga, resilience+yoga or the control group. Resilience or yoga training comprised eight sessions, each lasting 45 min. Participants in the combined group completed both resilience and yoga training. Data analysis was conducted using an analysis of variance test.

Results: Engagement in either resilience or yoga training alone led to a significant decrease in depression, anxiety and stress levels (p < 0.05). Finally, the resilience + yoga training had additive benefits and resulted in a significantly greater reduction in depression, anxiety and stress levels compared to the individual resilience or yoga training (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Intensive care unit nurses should engage in both resilience and yoga training to reap the associated physical and psychological benefits.

Contribution: This study sheds light on the value of the resilience and yoga combination for the mental health of ICU nurses.