Mindfulness Promotes a More Balanced Time Perspective: Correlational and Intervention-Based Evidence
Mindfulness February 22, 2019 Michael Rönnlund, Antonina Koudriavtseva, Linnea Germundsjö et al. 53 citations
Higher mindfulness relates to a more balanced time perspective—less focus on negative views of the past and future. Cross-sectional data from 212 adults with little mindfulness training showed that mindfulness scores were most strongly linked to lower Future Negative and Past Negative scores. Two mindfulness-based interventions (a mindfulness instructor course and a mindful self-compassion program) reduced deviations from a balanced time perspective (Cohen's d = −0.46), with lower Past Negative and Future Negative and a small increase in Past Positive. The findings suggest mindfulness promotes a balanced time perspective and may reduce repetitive negative thinking.