The Relationship between Mindful Attention Awareness, Perceived Stress and Subjective Wellbeing

Stevie-Jae Hepburn,Louise Mccuaig,Annemaree Carroll

doi:10.3390/ijerph182312290

Stevie-Jae Hepburn, Louise Mccuaig + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312290

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Abstract

It has been suggested that mindfulness is a predictive factor in self-reported perceived stress. The present study aimed to investigate the link between mindful attention awareness, perceived stress and subjective wellbeing without the presence of a complementary intervention to promote mindfulness-based strategies. Methods: The online survey participants (N = 257) were university students enrolled in initial teacher training. Self-report measures included the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). Results: PWI was negatively correlated with PSS (r = −0.550, p = .001), MAAS was negatively correlated with PSS (r = −0.567, p = .001) and positively correlated with PWI (r = 0.336, p = .001). The mean score for PSS (M = 20.61, SD = 6.62) was above the reported norm (14.2). Conclusions: The findings suggest that higher levels of mindful attention awareness may be associated with lower levels of perceived stress and higher subjective wellbeing levels and lower levels of perceived stress may be associated with higher subjective wellbeing. The findings confirm that pre-service teachers are a demographic that experiences elevated levels of perceived stress regardless of the stage in initial teacher training programs.

Highlights

University students are consistently reported as a demographic that experiences elevated stress levels compared to the general population [1]
In Australia, it has been reported that pre-service teachers (PSTs) are experiencing elevated stress levels when age-matched with the general population [4,5,6]
There was a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha above .70) for the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (α = .88); Perceived Stress Scale (α = .88); Personal

Summary

Introduction

University students are consistently reported as a demographic that experiences elevated stress levels compared to the general population [1]. In Australia, it has been reported that pre-service teachers (PSTs) are experiencing elevated stress levels when age-matched with the general population [4,5,6]. University students with experience practising mindfulness meditation and self-compassion have higher self-reported psychological wellbeing and lower perceived stress and depression [10]. The present study aimed to contribute to the existing research by addressing the following research question: Is there a relationship between perceived stress, natural levels of mindfulness (attention awareness) and subjective wellbeing?. Concerns have been raised regarding the level of reported stress experienced by university students.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion