Trait Mindfulness Reduces the Generalization of Conditioned Fear

Mindfulness-based interventions are known to increase false memory. However, high trait mindfulness is associated with an external encoding style and field independence, which in turn are associated with low false memory. The present study used a bilingual context to disentangle these contrasting findings. Sixty Chinese-English bilinguals completed a Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) false recognition task and were evaluated using the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results showed negative and positive correlations between trait mindfulness and false recognition in Chinese-Chinese and Chinese-English conditions, respectively. The polar directions of the observed correlations suggest that trait mindfulness is associated with direct and analytical perception of objects and with cognitive flexibility in activating semantic information. The former improves source monitoring, whereas the latter increases the likelihood of generating false memories in the DRM paradigm.

Postpartum depression affects many women after childbirth, impacting both maternal and child well-being. Psychological traits such as trait mindfulness, resilience, and self-efficacy have been linked to postpartum depression, but their interactions and collective influence are not well understood. The study aims to examine the associations between trait mindfulness, resilience, self-efficacy, and postpartum depression. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2022 to May 2023 using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the General Self-efficacy Scale, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Dominance analysis, latent profile analysis, and serial-multiple mediation models were employed for data analysis. Dominance analysis showed that trait mindfulness, resilience, and self-efficacy explained 36.3%, 35.4%, and 28.3% of the variance in postpartum depression, respectively. Three trait mindfulness profiles were identified as mild (23.2%), moderate (55.5%), and high (21.3%). Postpartum women in the mild group exhibited higher postpartum depressive symptoms than those in the moderate and high groups. The effects of trait mindfulness on postpartum depression were significantly mediated by resilience (B=-0.064, 95% CI -0.088 to -0.044), self-efficacy (B=-0.014, 95% CI -0.023 to -0.006), and serial mediation between resilience and self-efficacy (B=-0.027, 95% CI -0.040 to -0.015). Similar significant mediation effects were observed for moderate (resilience: B=-0.126, 95% CI -0.169 to -0.065, self-efficacy: B=-0.041, 95% CI -0.078 to -0.010, resilience and self-efficacy: B=-0.053, 95% CI -0.090 to -0.023) and high trait mindfulness profiles (resilience: B=-0.381, 95% CI -0.514 to -0.267, self-efficacy: B=-0.082, 95% CI -0.139 to -0.033, resilience and self-efficacy: B=-0.160, 95% CI -0.237 to -0.089) when compared to the mild reference group. Trait mindfulness significantly impacts postpartum depression and exhibits heterogeneity among postpartum women. The relationship between trait mindfulness and postpartum depression was mediated by resilience and self-efficacy.

Previous research has shown that despite experiencing more negative life events, older adults maintain relatively high levels of well-being compared to their younger counterparts. This effect appears to be at least partially mediated by trait mindfulness in older adults (Raes et al., 2013). The current study expanded into an investigation as to how trait mindfulness might intervene on the relationship between age and other well-being indicators: anxiety and depressive symptomology. Participants included 30 older adults (aged 60-83) and 41 young adults (aged 18-35). Trait mindfulness was examined using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), while depressive symptoms and trait anxiety were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), respectively. Two separate mediated multiple regression models were conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS Macro in SPSS. Trait mindfulness exhibited a significant indirect effect on the relationship between age and depressive symptoms (β = -2.27, p < .005), which was also seen for the relationship between age and trait anxiety (β = -4.17, p < .001). Older age predicted higher trait mindfulness, which in turn predicted diminished self-reported anxiety and depressive symptomology. Controlling for mindfulness in these models reduced the direct effect of age on depression and anxiety to non-significance. These findings imply that the relationship between age and trait mindfulness can be extended to alternative markers of well-being.

Background: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective in adult substance-use treatment and may be helpful for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). One target of MBIs is to improve trait mindfulness, which has been associated with better lifestyle and health outcomes. To inform MBIs for reducing cannabis use in AYAs, we sought to identify how trait mindfulness was associated with cannabis-related problems and quit attempts, as well as with motivation to change use in youth who report frequent use. Methods: Participants aged 15–24 years using cannabis ≥ 3x/week were recruited from AYA clinics in a northeastern US city to participate in a cannabis-use intervention pilot, randomized trial. At baseline, we assessed cannabis-use history, problems associated with use, attempts to quit, and trait mindfulness. All participants were offered two sessions of motivational enhancement therapy, during which they rated motivation to quit cannabis. Regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between trait mindfulness and cannabis use–related problems, attempts to quit, and motivation to change. Results: Seventy participants, mean age 20.7 ± 1.9 years, enrolled. Sixty percent identified as female, 47% as Black non-Hispanic, and 31% as Hispanic. Participants started using cannabis at mean age 15.0 ± 2.8 years and were using ≥ 3x/week by 17.0 ± 2.3 years. Higher mindfulness scores were associated with fewer cannabis-related problems (p = 0.004) and fewer quit attempts (p = 0.035). The number of cannabis-related problems did not significantly mediate the relationship between mindfulness and quit attempts. Trait mindfulness did not predict motivation to change cannabis use. Conclusions: Among AYAs using cannabis frequently, higher trait mindfulness was associated with both fewer cannabis use-–related problems and fewer quit attempts. Future research should assess whether trait mindfulness is an appropriate target for decreasing cannabis use and the utility of MBIs for reducing cannabis-use behaviors.

Mindfulness and clinical correlates in methamphetamine use disorder

Objective: This study intends to investigate the moderating role of intentional self-regulation in the relationship between trait mindfulness and psychological resilience. Methods: A total of 260 college students were recruited in the study and were assessed by using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale(MAAS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC) and the Intentional Self-regulation Test. Results: (1) The scores of MAAS, CD-RISC and the Intentional Self-regulation Test were 65.391 12.896, 70.048 13.202 and 38.315 3.430, respectively; (2) Trait mindfulness was positively associated with psychological resilience (r=0.652, P&lt;0.001), and intentional self-regulation was positively related to trait mindfulness(r=0.561, P&lt;0.001) and psychological resilience(r=0.721, P&lt;0.001), respectively; (3) Intentional self-regulation plays a partial moderating role between trait mindfulness and psychological resilience. Conclusion: Trait mindfulness not only has a direct effect on psychological resilience among college students, but also indirectly influences intentional self-regulation by the mediating effect of psychological resilience.

Mindfulness refers to an enhanced attention to and awareness of present moment experience. This study examined how trait mindfulness, as measured with six items from Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, might influence adolescent cigarette smoking frequency through its impact on depressive affect, anger affect and perceived stress mediators. Self-reported data from Chinese adolescents (N = 5287, mean age = 16.2 years, SD = 0.7; 48.8% females) were collected within 24 schools. The product of coefficients test was used to determine significant mediation paths. Results from baseline cross-sectional data indicated that trait mindfulness had a significant indirect effect on past 30-day smoking frequency through depressive affect, anger affect and perceived stress mediators. Results from 13-month longitudinal data indicated that these indirect effects remained significant for depressive affect and perceived stress but not for anger affect. Findings from this study may suggest that heightening mindfulness among adolescents may indirectly reduce cigarette smoking perhaps by improving affect regulation competencies.

To evaluate the acceptability of and engagement with an undergraduate human physiology course embedded with mindfulness practice. To assess its preliminary efficacy on student mindfulness and wellbeing. Students (N = 36, 17% freshman, 33% sophomore, 22% junior, and 28% senior) answered online surveys at course completion. Primary outcomes were course ratings, assignment and assessment completion rates, minutes, types of mindfulness practice, changes in trait mindfulness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS), and self-reported wellbeing outcomes. We ran Chi-square goodness of fit tests and paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to decide if the outcomes differed significantly post-class. We tested the dose-response relation between mindfulness practice time and trait mindfulness and whether the out-of-class practice time was consistent across the weeks with generalized linear mixed-effect models. All participants reported finding the course enjoyable and that they would recommend it to their friends. They practiced for an average of 66 (SD = 27) min per week in the class and 112 (SD = 59) min on their own. The most common out-of-class practices were mindful movements, sitting meditation, and breathing. Per self-reports, the course increased student understanding of specific mindfulness practices and appreciation for their body. It improved wellbeing and trait mindfulness (MAAS mean within-person change = 1.2, SD = 0.8, p < 0.00001). We found no does-response relation between practice time and trait mindfulness. This pilot study supports that incorporating mindfulness practice into college-level courses may promote student wellbeing and such approaches warrant further investigation.

Purpose Staff supporting individuals who engage in “challenging behaviour” have been identified as at risk of burnout. Despite direct support staff playing a fundamental role in the delivery of preventative approaches such as positive behaviour support, relatively little is known about factors which reduce the likelihood of stress and burnout in this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate several factors which may play a preventative role with respect to stress and burnout. Design/methodology/approach This study investigated the relationships between perceived organisational support (POS) and trait mindfulness, with emotional exhaustion. Eighty-four staff members completed the survey of perceived organisation support, the mindful attention awareness scale and the emotional exhaustion scale from the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Findings A multiple regression identified that POS, trait mindfulness and working with adults, negatively predicted emotional exhaustion. The strongest predictor of emotional exhaustion was POS. These findings provide evidence that POS and mindfulness could play a preventative role in the development of burnout. As POS was the strongest predictor, it is recommended that organisations in this field do not underestimate the importance of their staff feeling valued. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study conducted in intellectual and developmental disability services within the UK, investigating the relationship between either POS or trait mindfulness with emotional exhaustion.

Objectives To examine the relationship between social support and aggression among male juvenile delinquents and the mediating role of mindfulness and self-control/impulsivity. Methods A total of 530 male juvenile delinquents completed the Social Support Rating Scale, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the Self-Control Scale, the Aggression Questionnaire, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Results The total effect of social support on aggression was significant (β= −0.24, p < 0.001, Bootstrap 95%CI[−0.38, −0.19]). Social support affected individual aggression through the following five paths: (1) social support → trait mindfulness → aggression (Bootstrap 95%CI[−0.07, −0.01]); (2) social support → self-control → aggression (Bootstrap 95%CI[−0.18, −0.08]); (3) social support →impulsivity → aggression (Bootstrap 95%CI[−0.12, −0.05]); (4) social support → trait mindfulness → self-control → aggression (Bootstrap 95%CI[−0.07, −0.01]); (5) social support → trait mindfulness →impulsivity → aggression (Bootstrap 95%CI[−0.03, −0.01]), indicating that these five mediating effects were significant. Conclusions It suggests that social support is associated with aggression among male juvenile delinquents. Social support is negatively correlated with aggression through multiple mediating effects of mindfulness, self-control, and impulsivity.

The relationship between trait mindfulness, loneliness, regulatory emotional self-efficacy, and subjective well-being

Although cross-sectional and daily diary studies have noted associations among trait mindfulness and positive and negative affect, lacking are studies that longitudinally examine these relationships over a period of months. We tested whether trait mindfulness (assessed with the Five Facet Mindfulness Measure) predicted an increase in positive affect and a decrease in negative affect across 3 months. A sample of 319 community adults completed self-report measures of mindfulness, positive affect, and negative affect at three times of measurement separated by three months each. As hypothesised, overall mindfulness, tested with a random intercepts cross-lag path model, predicted over three months a decrease in negative affect, but, contrary to predictions, did not predict an increase in positive affect. In the reverse direction, within-subject negative affect predicted decreases of overall within-subject mindfulness, which suggests that this relationship may be reciprocal over time. When examined at the facet level of mindfulness, all five within-subject facets of the FFMQ predicted reductions in within-subject negative affect over time. In return, within-subject negative affect predicted reductions in three within-subject mindfulness facets: non-reacting, acting with awareness, and describing. On balance, the results of this study suggest that trait mindfulness, as assessed with the FFMQ, was much more successful in predicting diminished negative affect than in predicting a boost in positive affect. Further, the presence of negative affect seems to exert an inhibiting influence over time on the implementation of several mindfulness facets.

Mindfulness is linked with improved regulatory processes of attention and emotion. The potential benefits of mindfulness are vast, including more positive emotional states and diminished arousal in response to emotional stimuli. This study aims to expand of the current knowledge of the mechanisms of mindfulness by relating the latter to cardiovascular processes. The paper describes two studies which investigated the relationship of trait mindfulness to self-report measures of emotions elicited during a violent video clip and cardiovascular responses to the clip. Both studies recruited male and female participants, mainly university undergraduate students. The clip was 5-min-long and evoked mainly feelings of tension and disgust. In study 1, we found that higher scores for trait mindfulness were associated with increased scores for valence (r = .370, p = .009), indicating a more positive interpretation of the clip. In study 2, the average heart rate during the clip was lower than during the preceding (p < .05) and following (p < .01) non-exposure conditions. Higher trait mindfulness was related to diminished heart rate reactivity (r = −.364, p = .044) and recovery (r = −.415, p = .020). This latter effect was obtained only when trait anxiety was used as a statistical covariate. Additionally, increased trait mindfulness was accompanied by higher resting heart rate (r = .390, p = .027). These outcomes suggest that mindfulness is linked with reductions in negative feelings evoked by violent motion stimuli.

Sleep quality can affect the physical and mental health, as well as the personal development of college students. Mindfulness practices are known to ameliorate sleep disorder and improve sleep quality. Trait mindfulness, an innate capacity often enhanced by mindfulness training, has been shown to relate to better sleep quality and different aspects of psychological well-being. However, how individual difference factors such as trait mindfulness relate to sleep quality remains largely unclear, which limits the optimization and further application of mindfulness-based intervention schemes targeting the improvement of sleep quality. In this study, we aimed to investigate how negative emotions and neuroticism may influence the relationship between trait mindfulness and sleep quality. A conditional process model was built to examine these relationships in 1,423 Chinese young adults. Specifically, the conditional process model was constructed with trait mindfulness as the independent variable, sleep quality as the dependent variable, negative emotions as the mediating variable, and neuroticism as the moderating variable. Our results showed that negative emotions mediated the link between mindfulness and sleep quality and that neuroticism had a moderating effect on the relationship between mindfulness and sleep quality. Together, these findings suggested a potential mechanism of how trait mindfulness influences sleep quality, provided a therapeutic target for which mindfulness-based interventions may act upon to improve sleep quality, and offered a basis for prediction of different intervention effects among individuals.

Although mindfulness has been generally linked to superior emotional functioning, several areas remain unclear. In extending prior work, the current report evaluated the link between trait mindfulness and physiological patterns of recovery from negative emotion and investigated possible associations between trait mindfulness and emotion differentiation. After completing a trait mindfulness measure, 80 healthy volunteers were block-randomized (matched on gender and relatively high versus relatively low trait mindfulness) to complete either emotional (EN) or neutral (NE) writing tasks first. In the EN order, participants wrote about an upsetting experience and, in the NE order, about the events of an average day. In partial support of expectation, relatively more mindful men showed greater physiological reactivity to an emotional task followed by superior recovery, but only in the EN order; supplementary analyses suggest that greater non-reactivity scores among males may be involved in the physiological regulation of emotional stress. As expected, relatively more versus relatively less mindful participants also differentiated more among discrete negative emotions but, again, only in the EN order. Taken together, findings offer preliminary evidence that the more differentiated emotional responding associated with aspects of trait mindfulness may facilitate more adaptive responding under stress and contribute to superior mental and physical health.