Mindful Self-Care, Coping, and Meaning in Life: An Examination of the Professional Quality of Life and Well-Being Among Individuals Who Support and Provide Services to Refugees

Objective: Researchers have begun to examine factors that contribute to professional quality of life (ProQol) and well-being among professionals who provide services to refugees. These professionals are at increased risk of burnout and secondary traumatic stress due to the demands of their work and exposure to clients who have significant trauma histories. This study seeks to examine factors such as mindful self-care (MSC), coping, and meaning in life and how they may impact ProQol and well-being. Method: One hundred and forty-eight multidisciplinary professionals and volunteers in the United States completed an online questionnaire comprising The Mindful Self-Care Scale-33, The Professional Quality of Life Scale, The World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, The Brief COPE, and The Meaning in Life Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships between all variables. Results: MSC behaviors had a direct effect on ProQol (beta = 0.69, p < .001) and well-being (beta = 1.07, p < .001). One's perceived meaning in life had a direct effect on ProQol (beta = 0.22, p < .001) and on well-being (beta = 0.17, p < .05). Coping experience had a direct effect on well-being (beta = 0.71, p < .001) and well-being had a direct effect on ProQol (beta = 0.33, p < .001). Conclusion: Based on the findings, future programs directed at supporting these individuals can encourage MSC practices, adaptive coping, and explore aspects of one's job that bring meaning to their life to better support individuals who work with refugees.