Self-Compassion As a Well-Being Strategy Against Occupational Burnout in Dentistry: a Controlled Clinical Trial

Although studies have highlighted the relationship between stress-related psychopathological symptoms and changes in biochemical parameters, no study in dentistry has concurrently evaluated the association of stress and relaxation with biochemical markers and psychological parameters. Moreover, the impact of mindfulness-based self-compassion training programs on these variables has yet to be explored within this context. To enhance the well-being of dentists, an evaluation of a test group participating in an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL) program was conducted. This assessment included daily cortisol curves, as well as salivary IL-6, IL-1β, and oxytocin levels. Additionally, empathy, burnout, self-compassion, depression, and mindfulness levels were measured before and after the training. In this study, the main hypothesis was that, compared to the control group, the test group would exhibit lower IL-1β, IL-6, and cortisol levels, along with higher oxytocin levels. Furthermore, as the secondary hypotheses was that the test group would demonstrate increased empathy, self-compassion, and mindfulness levels, accompanied by reductions in depression and burnout scores.