Presentation Information
[GA-1-02]Navigating the Shadows: The Impact of Mindfulness, Cognitive Fusion, and Coping Strategies on Psychological Distress Among Mental Health Workers in Timor Leste
Noviyanti Carla Tilman Leite2, Gaspar Quintao3, *Nicholas Pang1, Eugene Koh4, Noor Melissa Nor Hadi4, Jhia Mae Woo5, Kah Mun Wan6, Marina Abdul Rahman Sabri7, Ming Gui Tan1, Assis Kamu1, Chong Mun Ho1 (1. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Malaysia), 2. PRADET (The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste), 3. Guido Valadares National Hospital (The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste), 4. Putra University Malaysia (Malaysia), 5. Sunway University (Malaysia), 6. ACT Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), 7. Hospital Sultanah Aminah (Malaysia))
Keywords:
vicarious trauma,Cognitive Fusion,Timor Leste,Post traumatic stress disorder,mindfulness
Background: Timor Leste's history of conflict and trauma has significantly impacted the mental health of its population, leading to high levels of psychological distress. This study aims to investigate the relationships between mindfulness, cognitive fusion, coping strategies, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) among psychological workers in Timor Leste.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving a convenience sample of psychological workers from PRADET and the national referral hospital in Dili. Mindfulness was assessed using the Toronto Mindfulness Questionnaire (TMQ), psychological flexibility using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), cognitive fusion was measured using the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), and coping strategies were evaluated using the DBT-Ways of Coping Checklist (DBT-WCCL). Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). All scales were using the Bahasa Indonesia validated versions. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data.Results: Strong positive correlations were observed between mindfulness facets (curiosity and de-centering) and cognitive fusion (r=0.736, p<.001). Cognitive fusion was significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety (r=0.527, p<.001), stress (r=0.519, p<.001), and depression (r=0.486, p<.01). Dysfunctional coping strategies, particularly blaming others (r=0.340, p<.05), also showed significant correlations with cognitive fusion. cognitive fusion significantly predicted increased levels of depression (β=0.418, p<.05), anxiety (β=0.491, p <.05), and stress (β=0.482, p<.05). Conversely, coping strategies involving skills use were linked to a significant reduction in depression (β=-19.697, p<.05).Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical roles of cognitive fusion and coping strategies in predicting psychological distress among mental health workers in Timor Leste. Addressing these factors can enhance resilience and well-being among mental health professionals.