From a state to a trait: Trajectories of state mindfulness in meditation during intervention predict changes in trait mindfulness

Individual trajectories of state mindfulness during an eight-week mindfulness-based intervention varied significantly and predicted changes in trait mindfulness and psychological distress. Those whose state mindfulness increased more over repeated meditation sessions also showed greater gains in trait mindfulness and greater reductions in distress. The findings suggest that cultivating state mindfulness through meditation practice may contribute to a more mindful and less distressed disposition, though individual patterns of change differ and require further study.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Theory suggests that heightening state mindfulness in meditation practice over time increases trait mindfulness, which benefits psychological health. We prospectively examined individual trajectories of state mindfulness in meditation during a mindfulness-based intervention in relation to changes in trait mindfulness and psychological distress. Each week during the eight-week intervention, participants reported their state mindfulness in meditation after a brief mindfulness meditation. Participants also completed pre- and post-intervention measures of trait mindfulness and psychological symptoms. Tests of combined latent growth and path models suggested that individuals varied significantly in their rates of change in state mindfulness in meditation during the intervention, and that these individual trajectories predicted pre-post intervention changes in trait mindfulness and distress. These findings support that increasing state mindfulness over repeated meditation sessions may contribute to a more mindful and less distressed disposition. However, individuals’ trajectories of change may vary and warrant further investigation.