Relating to Self and Other: Mindfulness Predicts Compassionate and Self-Image Relationship Goals

Abstract

In three studies, we tested the hypothesis that mindfulness is associated with and predicts the relationship goals to be compassionate and to bolster one’s self-image. In the first two studies, both cross-sectional, mindfulness was associated with higher compassionate goals and lower self-image goals. Study 3 replicated these findings both before and after a 2-week daily diary exercise. In addition, mindfulness at pretest predicted change in compassionate and self-image goals over the course of the study. Aggregating across studies, controlling for negative affectivity, mindfulness, and several of its facets were uniquely associated with compassionate goals. Mindfulness and non-judging of experience were each uniquely associated with lower self-image goals. These findings suggest that how people relate to their own experiences—namely, the extent to which they attend to present-moment experiences without judgment—is associated with their intentions toward others.