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.
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Acknowledgments
Think Ahead Group Research Award (2015, LH), Friends of BrainHealth Distinguished New Scientist Award (2017, LH; 2018, LH).
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LH designed and executed the study, performed the data analysis, and wrote the paper. NAH collaborated in the design of the study. GBM collaborated in conducting data analysis and contributed to editing of the manuscript. JG collaborated with the design and execution of the study. MPT collaborated with the design of the study. BR collaborated in the design and execution of the study, collaborated in data analysis, and oversaw and contributed to the writing and editing of the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript for submission.
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Himes, L., Hubbard, N.A., Maruthy, G.B. et al. The Relationship between Trait Mindfulness and Emotional Reactivity Following Mood Manipulation. Mindfulness 12, 170–185 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01510-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01510-7