Abstract
Objectives: Trait mindfulness can be used to refer to one’s predisposition toward present-moment attention and awareness in everyday life. Increases in trait mindfulness are thought to result from states of heightened mindfulness achieved during practice over time. A significant amount of research has examined the effects of mindfulness practice on psychological well-being, including improved emotion regulation. However, it is not well understood whether this improved emotion regulation is associated with an increase or decrease in emotional reactivity when facing a negatively valenced stressor. Methods: We conducted two studies (N = 88; N = 95, and N = 65) to assess the relationship between trait mindfulness (assessed using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) and emotional reactivity to an induced stressor in the laboratory. Results: In study 1, individuals with higher levels of Acting with Awareness exhibited less negatively valenced emotional reactivity in response to the induced stressor. In study 2, individuals with higher levels of overall trait mindfulness represented by acting with awareness, non-reactivity, and non-judgment exhibited less negatively valenced emotional reactivity in response to the induced stressor. Conclusions: Results from both studies suggest that certain qualities of mindfulness may provide individuals with the ability to notice and engage with stress-induced emotions in an adaptive way, resulting in reduced negatively valenced emotions.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 170-185 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Mindfulness |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2021 |
Keywords
- Negatively valenced emotions
- Psychological well-being
- Trait mindfulness
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Health(social science)
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Applied Psychology