A comparative study of resilience and mindfulness-based interventions versus CBT in reducing burnout and distress among banking sector employees

Purpose This study aims to examine the comparative effectiveness of an integrated intervention based on psychological resilience and mindfulness versus cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in alleviating job burnout and psychological distress among married female employees in Iran’s financial and banking sector. Design/methodology/approach A quasi-experimental design with 42 participants randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group was used. The Maslach Burnout Inventory and DASS-21 were administered pre and postintervention. Findings Both interventions significantly reduced depression, anxiety, stress and burnout levels. No significant difference was found between the two intervention groups, suggesting similar efficacy. Practical implications The findings support the integration of resilience and mindfulness training as an effective alternative to CBT for improving psychological health in high-pressure workplaces. Originality/value This study addresses a gap in intervention research for female professionals in stressful environments, offering evidence for alternative mental health strategies in organizational contexts.