Abstract
ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between mindfulness and aspects of time perspective (TP, i.e., habitual views of past, present, future).MethodsWe examined cross-sectional associations between an established measure of mindfulness (FFMQ) and an extended version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (Swedish ZTPI; S-ZTPI) in a sample with little experience of mindfulness training (n = 212). In addition, we evaluated the effects of two mindfulness-based interventions (a mindfulness instructor course involving 29 participants and a mindful self-compassion program, n = 40 for the intervention group, n = 41 for controls) on mindfulness and measures of TP including an aggregate measure of deviations from a proposed optimal, or balanced, time perspective (DBTP).ResultsCross-sectional data were consistent with a model by which part of the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress is mediated by reduced DBTP. Global mindfulness scores showed the strongest (negative) associations with the S-ZTPI scales Future Negative and Past Negative. Comparisons of pre/post-intervention data revealed significant mindfulness-based intervention-related reductions of DBTP (Cohen’s d = − 0.46), with lowered scores on Past Negative and Future Negative and a small increase on Past Positive.ConclusionsThe results support the notion that a higher level of mindfulness promotes a more balanced time perspective, with a reduced focus on negative aspects of the past and negative anticipations of the future. Relations to repetitive negative thought processes (rumination, worry) and a potential bidirectional influence of mindfulness and aspects of time perspective are discussed.
Highlights
We first tested a hypothetical mediational model by which the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress is driven by reduced deviations from BTP (DBTP)
Apart from relationships of facets of mindfulness and separate time perspective (TP) dimensions, we examined correlations between Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) dimensions perceived stress (PSS score)
The results revealed a reduction of DBTP-e score from the first (M = 2.43) to the second assessment (M = 2.11) p < .01, d = 0.49
Summary
To investigate the relationship between mindfulness and aspects of time perspective (TP, i.e., habitual views of past, present, future). Methods We examined cross-sectional associations between an established measure of mindfulness (FFMQ) and an extended version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (Swedish ZTPI; S-ZTPI) in a sample with little experience of mindfulness training (n = 212). Results Cross-sectional data were consistent with a model by which part of the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress is mediated by reduced DBTP. Global mindfulness scores showed the strongest (negative) associations with the S-ZTPI scales Future Negative and Past Negative. Comparisons of pre/post-intervention data revealed significant mindfulness-based intervention-related reductions of DBTP (Cohen’s d = − 0.46), with lowered scores on Past Negative and Future Negative and a small increase on Past Positive
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have