Dispositional Mindfulness Facets Research Articles

A self-determination theory perspective on the relationship between emotion regulation styles, mindfulness facets, and well-being in adults with self-injury.

The relevance of emotion regulation (ER) difficulties to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; the deliberate destruction of one's bodily tissue without suicidal intent) has been repeatedly documented. Recently, specific mindfulness facets (i.e., awareness, nonjudging, describing) have been proposed as mechanisms that explain this relationship. The present study sought to extend this line of inquiry by exploring the mediating role of mindfulness facets in the relation between self-determination theory-based ER styles (i.e., integrative ER, suppressive ER, emotion dysregulation) and indices of positive and negative well-being (i.e., subjective vitality, NSSI difficulties), while controlling for gender, in adults with recent NSSI engagement. US adults with a history of more than one occurrence of NSSI within the last year (n = 222) completed online measures of ER styles, mindfulness facets, subjective vitality, and NSSI difficulties. A mediation model indicated that the effects of ER styles on positive and negative well-being were explained by specific mindfulness facets (i.e., awareness, nonjudging, nonreactivity, describing). The present study provides preliminary evidence that facets of dispositional mindfulness may be mechanisms through which ER styles impact positive and negative indices of well-being in adults with lived experience of NSSI.

Prospective effects of mindfulness on anxiety and depressive symptoms may be spurious: Simulated reanalysis of a meta-analytic cross-lagged panel analysis.

A recent meta-analysis claimed decreasing prospective effects of acting with awareness and non-reacting, two facets of dispositional mindfulness, on subsequent anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, the meta-analytic cross-lagged effects were estimated while adjusting for a prior measurement of the outcome variable and it is known that such adjusted cross-lagged effects may be spurious due to correlations with residuals and regression to the mean. We fitted competing models on simulations of the same meta-analytic data and found that prospective effects of the mindfulness facets on anxiety and depressive symptoms probably were spurious. It is important for researchers to be aware of limitations of adjusted cross-lagged effects, meta-analytically estimated or not, in order not to overinterpret findings.

A Mindful Path Toward Prejudice Reduction: Key Mindfulness Facets and Mediators for Promoting Positive Intergroup Relations

ObjectivesMindfulness might promote an open, accepting, less stereotypical view of people belonging to other social groups. We hypothesized positive cross-sectional (H1) and longitudinal (H2) associations between dispositional mindfulness — especially the Observing facet — and positive intergroup outcomes (i.e., better intergroup attitudes and contact experiences, lower intergroup prejudice, higher deprovincialization), and that those associations would be mediated by dispositional curiosity and reflection (H3).MethodWe tested H1 in Study 1 (two waves, 1-month interval, n = 102) and Study 2 (cross-sectional, n = 679), with linear models in which attitudes and prejudice toward immigrants, contact with immigrants (only in Study 2), and deprovincialization were predicted by mindfulness facets. We tested H2 in Study 1, with cross-lagged path models replicating the cross-sectional analyses, and H3 in Study 2, with structural equation models in which Reflection, Joyous Exploration, Stress Tolerance, and Social Curiosity mediated the relationships between facets of dispositional mindfulness and intergroup outcomes.ResultsResults largely supported hypotheses. Consistent with H1, in Studies 1 and 2, Observing was associated with all intergroup outcomes; in Study 2, Describing was associated with higher deprovincialization, better attitudes, and lower prejudice, and Nonjudging with higher deprovincialization and positive contact. As for H2, we found a unidirectional association from Observing to attitudes. Concerning H3, we found mediating paths between some mindfulness facets and intergroup outcomes through Reflection, Joyous Exploration, Stress Tolerance, and Social Curiosity.ConclusionsResults support the possibility to build prejudice reduction interventions grounded on mindfulness, to increase awareness of negative stereotypes and openness to differences among people.PreregistrationThe study was not preregistered.

To be aware, or to accept, that is the question: Differential roles of awareness of automaticity and pain acceptance in opioid misuse

BackgroundIndividuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) are commonly prescribed long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) for analgesia, placing this population at increased risk for opioid misuse and opioid use disorder. Acceptance of aversive experiences (e.g., chronic pain) and awareness of automatic thoughts and behaviors (i.e., automaticity) are two facets of dispositional mindfulness that may serve as protective mechanisms against opioid misuse risk. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the differential contributions of these constructs to opioid misuse risk among adults with CLBP receiving LTOT. MethodsData were obtained from a sample of 770 adults with opioid-treated CLBP. Bivariate correlations and hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to determine whether chronic pain acceptance and awareness of automatic thoughts and behaviors explained a statistically significant portion of variance in opioid misuse risk after accounting for the effects of other relevant confounders. ResultsHierarchical regression results revealed that chronic pain acceptance and awareness of automatic thoughts and behaviors contributed a significant portion in the variance of opioid misuse risk. Awareness of automatic thoughts and behaviors was negatively associated with opioid misuse risk, such that individuals with lower levels of awareness of automaticity were at higher risk of opioid misuse. By contrast, pain acceptance was not associated with opioid misuse. ConclusionsFindings suggest that awareness of automaticity may buffer against opioid misuse risk. Interventions designed to strengthen awareness of automaticity (e.g., mindfulness-based interventions) might be especially efficacious among this population.

The Protective Role of Dispositional Mindfulness on Cyber Dating Abuse: A 6-Month Longitudinal Study.

Dispositional mindfulness has been related to a decreased propensity to aggressive behaviors toward others, including dating partners. Nevertheless, research in the context of romantic relationships is scarce, based on cross-sectional designs and offline (face to face) aggression. Thus, this 6-month longitudinal study seeks to fill a gap in the literature by examining the predictive role of dispositional mindfulness facets (observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging, and non-reacting) in the perpetration of cyber dating abuse (CDA) behaviors in adolescents. The moderator role of the dispositional mindfulness facets in the perpetuation over time of cyber aggression toward the partner was also explored. Participants were 501 high school students (54.1% girls; mean age: 14.17 years, SD = 1.39) from different regions of Spain who completed self-report measures about CDA and dispositional mindfulness at two time points with a 6-month interval between them. Path analysis showed that the acting with awareness mindfulness facet predicted a decrease in the perpetration of CDA 6 months later. Moreover, non-reacting showed a moderator role in the perpetuation over time of CDA. In particular, adolescents with higher scores on non-reacting, evidenced a lower perpetuation of CDA. Mindfulness-based interventions can be a valuable tool in preventing cyber aggression that occurs in adolescent dating relationships.

Dispositional mindfulness, self-concept, and psychological symptoms: Bidirectional predictive associations in children and adolescents

Several studies have indicated that dispositional mindfulness (DM) predicts better mental health in adolescents. The current study expands previous research by examining the reciprocal longitudinal associations between DM facets and psychological problems. In addition, the potential mediating role of self-concept (SC) dimensions is examined. A sample of 832 adolescents aged between 11 and 18 completed measures of DM, SC, and internalizing and externalizing problems in two waves six months apart. DM did not predict changes in psychological problems. However, in general, psychological problems predicted lower DM, some facets of DM predicted an increase in SC dimensions, and SC predicted higher scores on DM and fewer externalizing problems. In addition, acting with awareness mediated the relationship between externalizing problems and two SC dimensions. Findings highlight the beneficial role of having a positive SC for some dimensions of DM, and vice versa.

The metacognitive link between co-occurring intra- and interpersonal symptoms in major depression

ObjectivesCo-occurring symptoms in depressed people currently in a relationship are sometimes considered to be due to interpersonal variables like dyadic adjustment, or intrapersonal factors such as a lack of dispositional mindfulness. Recent theories of emotional distress have, however, proposed that metacognitive beliefs could be a better link between these frequently co-occurring symptoms in major depression. MethodsIn a French sample of depressed inpatients currently in a relationship (n=30), we conducted a mediation analysis to assess whether the score of the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 mediated the relation between on the one side the Beck depression inventory and on the other side the dyadic adjustment scale, the Beck anxiety inventory, and the five facets mindfulness questionnaire. ResultsBy using a multiple linear regression and the Sobel test, we found that the Metacognitions Questionnaire fully mediated the association of depression severity with both anxiety and the affectionate expression of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and partially mediated that of the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire with depression severity. ConclusionsThese results obtained in a clinical sample gave support for the mediating role of dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs on some aspects of depressive symptomatology, as well as the likely metacognitive nature of important dispositional mindfulness facets. Limitations of this study are discussed, including its cross-sectional design as well as its sample size.

Facets of Mindfulness Mediate the Relationship Between Attachment Orientation and Emotion Regulation in University Students.

Whilst both mindfulness and adult attachment have been linked to wellbeing, little is known about how these constructs relate to emotion regulation that can underpin wellbeing. The present study examined the association between adult attachment orientation and emotion regulation (strategies and difficulties) and the mediating role of facets of dispositional mindfulness. A sample of 301 university students (Mage = 23.08, SD = 8.08; 74.75% female) completed measures of adult attachment, emotion regulation, difficulties in emotion regulation, and dispositional mindfulness. Parallel multiple mediation analyses indicated that the act with awareness and non-judging facets of mindfulness repeatedly emerged as significant mediators in the positive associations between the dimensions of attachment insecurity (anxiety, avoidance, and disorganized) and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and difficulties in emotion regulation. Those individuals exhibiting greater attachment insecurity employ maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and display difficulties in emotion regulation via mindfulness deficits. The present findings extend our current understanding of the role of dispositional mindfulness in the associations between adult attachment orientation and varying aspects of the emotion regulation process.

Mindfulness and Depersonalization: a Nuanced Relationship.

ObjectivesAlthough depersonalization has been described as the antithesis of mindfulness, few studies have empirically examined this relationship, and none have considered how it may differ across various facets of mindfulness, either alone or in interaction. The present study examined the relationship between symptoms of depersonalization and facets of dispositional mindfulness in a general population sample.MethodsA total of 296 adult participants (139 male, 155 female, 2 other) were recruited online via Qualtrics and completed the Cambridge Depersonalisation Scale; Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire.ResultsControlling for general distress, depersonalization symptoms were positively associated with Observe, Describe, and Nonreactivity facets and negatively associated with Acting with Awareness and Nonjudgment facets. After controlling for intercorrelations among the facets, depersonalization symptoms remained significantly associated with higher Nonreactivity and lower Acting with Awareness. The overall positive relationship between depersonalization symptoms and the Observe facet was moderated by both Nonjudgment and Nonreactivity. Specifically, higher Observing was related to increased depersonalization symptoms at low levels of Nonjudgment and to decreased symptoms at low levels of Nonreactivity.ConclusionsThe current study provides novel insight into the relationship between depersonalization symptoms and various aspects of mindfulness. Experiences of depersonalization demonstrated divergent relationships with mindfulness facets, alone and in interaction. The results may inform theoretical models of depersonalization and mindfulness-based interventions for depersonalization.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-022-01890-y.

The association between dispositional mindfulness and empathy among undergraduate nursing students: A multicenter cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to explore the role of gender, age, and academic year in shaping dispositional mindfulness (DM) and the association between DM facets and empathy dimensions in a sample of undergraduate nursing students. In a multicenter cross-sectional study design, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and socio-demographic questions were administrated to a convenience sample of Italian nursing students. 622 nursing students (82.2% female) participated in the study (response rate = 86.15%). Females had higher levels of Acting with Awareness (p < .001, d = .54) and lower levels of Non-reacting (p < .001, d = .52) facets of DM than males. Older students displayed higher scores on the Observing (r = .112, p = .005) and on the Non-reacting (r = .187, p < .001) FFMQ subscales than younger ones. No statistically significant differences in DM levels between the three academic years were found (ps > .202). After controlling for socio-demographic factors, DM facets were generally positively related to Perspective Taking (βs from .131 to .208, ps < .007) and Empathic Concern (βs from −.156 to .189, ps < .001), whereas negatively related to Personal Distress (βs from −.141 to −.261, ps < .001). Nursing students with higher levels of DM were more able to consider others’ cognitive perspective and to feel compassion, and were less emotionally distressed when facing tense interpersonal situations. Tailored mindfulness interventions might be useful to foster functional empathy within nursing undergraduate programs.

Associations between mindfulness, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and posttraumatic growth in police academy cadets: An exploratory study.

Mindfulness-based treatments have been increasingly noted in the professional literature as a possible means to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and promote well-being, especially among law enforcement officers. Scant research, however, has been conducted to study dispositional mindfulness and health outcomes in police cadets. The current exploratory study examined the association between the various facets of dispositional mindfulness (i.e., observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging, and nonreactivity) and PTSD symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and other variables, including world assumptions, in police cadets (N = 379). Consistent with findings from previous studies of experienced officers, the results indicate that (a) mindful nonjudging is a salient trait in police cadets, which uniquely predicted lower PTSD symptoms, β = -.31, p < .001, and was related to lower levels of PTG, r = -.12, p = .025, and (b) mindful observing was related to higher levels of PTSD symptoms, r = .14, p = .009 and higher levels of PTG, r = .26, p < .001, in the present sample. In addition, the findings demonstrate that nonjudging is an important trait in police cadets regarding world assumptions such that nonjudging was a significant, unique predictor of world assumption facets, including controllability of events, β = .15, p = .025, and trustworthiness and goodness of people, β = .18, p = .004. Clinical implications, including the importance of understanding the association between mindful nonjudging and the shattering and rebuilding of worldviews and following trauma reactions, are discussed.

Adaptive self-concept as a predictor of dispositional mindfulness

The purpose of the studies was to investigate the relationship between adaptive features of self-concept and facets of dispositional mindfulness. We assumed that the strong self-concept is a crucial factor enhancing optimal functioning. Accordingly, we hypothesized that adaptive features of self-concept predict the general factor of dispositional mindfulness. We conducted two studies using four measures of mindfulness (FFMQ, MAAS, AAQ, and MEAQ) and the Adaptive Self-Concept Questionnaire (ASCQ). To explore the complex relationships between mindfulness and adaptive self-concept canonical correlation analysis was performed (N = 134; 78% females; age: M = 30.99, SD = 10.27). We found that variance shared by three features of adaptive self-concept (i.e. clarity, self-distance, and non-rumination) is strongly related to general factors of mindfulness and experiential acceptance. To evaluate alternative models depicting different patterns of relationships between these variables the structural equation modeling approach was applied (N = 162; 65% females; age: M = 27.24, SD = 9.76). Adaptive self-concept significantly predicted the latent variable representing variance shared by mindfulness and experiential acceptance. Overall, the results confirmed our hypothesis and suggest that adaptive self-concept may be a basis for a high dispositional mindfulness. We discuss this possibility in light of a metacognitive model of mindfulness.

Peer relationships and stress: Indirect associations of dispositional mindfulness with depression, anxiety and loneliness via ways of coping

IntroductionAdolescents higher in the trait of dispositional mindfulness report fewer socioemotional problems. Focusing on the domain of peer stressors, we tested a model of adolescents’ mindfulness as a resource that undergirds more constructive stress coping responses, in turn resulting in fewer socioemotional problems. MethodThe participants were 361 Australian secondary school students (40% boys; ages 11 to 18; M = 14.9 years; SD = 1.4). Each completed a questionnaire to report four facets of dispositional mindfulness; engagement and disengagement coping and involuntary stress responses to recent peer interpersonal stressful events; and socioemotional problems of loneliness, social anxiety, and depression. ResultsAdolescents who reported more dispositional mindfulness, including facets of awareness, describing, non-judgement and non-reactivity, were lower in involuntary peer stress responses, disengagement coping, loneliness, social anxiety, and depression; associations of mindfulness facets with engagement coping were mixed. Mediational path models showed that almost all the significant negative associations of dispositional mindfulness with loneliness, social anxiety and depression were fully indirect via peer stress coping responses. Further, an alternative model, which tested whether loneliness, social anxiety and depression were the instigators of stress coping responses via mindfulness, had an adequate but poorer fit. ConclusionAs hypothesized, the benefit of adolescents' dispositional mindfulness for reducing loneliness, social anxiety and depression seems to be indirect, with positive peer stress coping responses key mediators in these indirect pathways. It is less likely that the alternative occurs, whereby adolescents’ socioemotional problems are the foundation for mindfulness and peer stress coping responses.

Predictive Associations of Dispositional Mindfulness Facets with Anxiety and Depression: a Meta-analytic Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Predictive Associations of Dispositional Mindfulness Facets with Anxiety and Depression: a Meta-analytic Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Longitudinal associations between dispositional mindfulness and addictive behaviors in adolescents.

Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the development of addictive behaviors, and substance use (SU) and problematic Internet use (PIU) typically start during this developmental stage. Dispositional Mindfulness (DM) has been proposed as a protective factor for adolescents against numerous psychological problems. Previous studies have suggested that the Observing facet of DM may moderate the other facets' roles. The objective of this study was to longitudinally analyze whether the facets of DM could predict lower levels of PIU and SU among adolescents, and to assess whether the Observing facet moderated the associations between the other facets of DM and addictive behaviors. A total of 836 participants aged 11 to 18 completed measures of PIU, SU, and the five facets of DM. The results indicated that Acting with Awareness predicted lower SU, Describing predicted an increase in both PIU and SU, and Non-judging marginally predicted lower PIU. Furthermore, Observing was beneficial against PIU when combined with high levels of Acting with Awareness, but was not when combined with high levels of Describing. The implications and future directions for the empirical study of DM against addictive behaviors are discussed.

Dispositional Mindfulness and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Mindful Awareness Mediates the Relation Between Severity and Quality of Life, Stress, and Fatigue

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and idiopathic gastrointestinal pathology whose bi-directional relation with psychological variables (e.g., quality of life, fatigue, and stress) has been studied in depth. Dispositional mindfulness has been related to a better quality of life and health in chronic diseases. The present study aims to examine the potential mediator influence of dispositional mindfulness in the association between disease severity and health-related quality of life, stress, and fatigue in IBD patients. In a cross-sectional study, 152 patients diagnosed with IBD were recruited from the digestive unit of Sagunt Hospital (Spain) where they were receiving treatment. Dispositional mindfulness, fatigue, perceived stress, health-related quality of life, and illness severity were measured. Subsequently, descriptive statistical analyses, Pearson product-moment correlations, multivariate analysis of variance, and mediation analyses were performed. Dispositional mindfulness facets were positively associated with quality of life, lower fatigue, and lower perceived stress levels (except for the observe subscale). Mediation analyses showed that IBD severity (moderate vs. mild patients) indirectly influenced quality of life (ab = −6.16, 95% CI [−13.46, −0.76]), perceived stress (ab = 2.23, 95% CI [0.41, 4.24]), and fatigue (ab = 3.24, 95% CI [0.48, 6.66]) through its effect on the dispositional mindfulness facet “acting with awareness.” Dispositional mindful awareness seems to be a protective factor in addition to a promising intervention target in IBD patients, whose severity only influences quality of life, perceived stress, and fatigue through it.

Vocational Identity Resources in Emerging Adulthood: Associations With Facets of Dispositional Mindfulness

The processes of career development and forming a crystallized identity can be fraught with emotional turmoil. One multidimensional construct known to reduce emotional reactivity is dispositional mindfulness (DM). We used canonical correlation analysis to examine relationships involving measures of resources for establishing a vocational identity (Hirschi, 2012a) and facets of DM in emerging adults (134 women, 38 men). Observing, describing, and nonreactivity to inner experiences contributed uniquely to the first canonical function with career agency and occupational engagement. Observing, describing, and nonjudging contributed uniquely to the second function with occupational engagement and negative career outlook. These results shed light on key facets of DM that help emerging adults to effectively utilize emotion within the context of career‐life planning. Future research should examine relationships between DM facets and additional constructs subsumed within the career resources model. Counselors may find utility in understanding how clients conceptualize conscious emotional experience and use it in career‐life planning.

Dispositional Mindfulness Profiles and Cannabis Use in Young Adults

The relationships between dispositional mindfulness and cannabis use remain understudied. The aim of the present study was to link cannabis use and problematic use with different profiles based on dispositional mindfulness facets. A sample of 1572 college students completed self-report questionnaires assessing dispositional mindfulness, cannabis use, and internalizing/externalizing symptoms. A cluster analysis based on the facets of dispositional mindfulness (observing, non-judgment, non-reactivity, acting with awareness, and describing) yielded three clusters: a High-Traits cluster (HT), a Non-Judgmentally Aware cluster (NJA), and a Judgmentally Observing cluster (JO). The NJA cluster had a significantly lower frequency of cannabis use and a lower problematic use than the two other clusters. JO and HT clusters, which both have the highest scores of observing, had also the highest levels of cannabis use and problematic use. These results may reflect the enhancement of sensations due to cannabis use. Methodological issues regarding the evaluation of observing facet are discussed.

Impulsivity and Mindfulness among Inpatients with Alcohol Use Disorder

Background: Impulsivity is both a risk factor for and a consequence of alcohol use disorder (AUD), for which mindfulness-based approaches have been proven to be effective. However, the specific relationship between mindfulness and impulsivity has been little explored in the literature, especially in people with AUD. This study aims to investigate the relationship between different facets of dispositional mindfulness and impulsivity among people with AUD in an inpatient setting in Brazil. Methods: Participants (n = 165) completed the following self-report measures: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-SF), and the Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (SUPPS-P). Multiple imputation techniques and linear models were employed to assess the relationships between dispositional mindfulness and impulsivity. Results: In complete case analysis, the UPPS-P facet “lack of premeditation” was inversely related to the FFMQ facet “non-reactivity” (B = −0.17; p = 0.01); and “positive urgency” was inversely related to “act with awareness” (B = −0.27, p = 0.02) and “non-reactivity” (B = −0.17, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Relationships of varying magnitudes between dispositional mindfulness and impulsivity domains among people with AUD were found, suggesting that higher mindfulness skills are related to less impulsive traits. Our results encourage further longitudinal studies evaluating the potential of specific mindfulness components to decrease impulsivity among AUD inpatients, including its underlying mechanisms.

Mindfulness and shooting performance in biathlon. A prospective study

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to examine the temporal relationship between facets of sport-specific dispositional mindfulness (i e., Awareness, Refocusing, Nonjudgemental attitude) and shooting performance in actual competitions, in a population of 25 elite biathlon athletes. Findings indicated that mindfulness facets were positively associated with shooting performance, with higher levels of Awareness, Refocusing, and Awareness being related to better shooting performance in competitions. In spite of the fact that the explained variance was quite small, even a minor shooting performance enhancement may increase an athlete’s chance of winning a biathlon competition.