Trait mindfulness influences self-reported mental health in individuals with depression

Adults with major depressive disorder who report higher levels of dispositional mindfulness—the tendency to attend to present-moment experiences with openness and awareness—show fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms, better sleep quality, and higher self-esteem compared to those with lower trait mindfulness. In a cross-sectional study of 97 adults diagnosed with MDD, two clusters emerged: a High Trait group and a Low Trait group. The High Trait group had significantly lower depressive symptoms (d = 0.795) and anxiety symptoms (d = 0.739), and higher self-esteem (d = -0.586) and sleep quality (d = 0.460). These results suggest trait mindfulness may protect against poor mental health in depression.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Dispositional mindfulness, also known as trait mindfulness, refers to an individual dispositional tendency to attend the present moment experiences with openness, curiosity and awareness. It is often associated with well-being, particularly through its role with emotional regulation. Yet, it is not well understood how it may influence the expression of major depression symptoms. This cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of trait mindfulness on mental health outcomes in 97 adults (females = 66%; age = 26.62 [SD = 7.24]) diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Participants completed self-reported measures of trait mindfulness (via the Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire), anxiety and depressive symptoms, sleep quality and self-esteem. A clustering algorithm was used to identify profiles of trait mindfulness, and independent analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to compare mental health outcomes between clusters, controlling for age. Two clusters were identified, suggesting a High Trait ( n = 41, females = 24 [57.14%], 29.53 [7.64] years old) and a Low Trait cluster ( n = 56, females = 41 [73.21%], 26.25 [6.68] years old). High Trait individuals scored lower in depressive ( $$\:d$$ =0.795, p < 0.001) and anxiety ( $$\:d$$ =0.739, p = 0.002) symptoms, and higher in self-esteem ( $$\:d$$ =-0.586, p = 0.007) and sleep quality ( $$\:d$$ =0.460, p = 0.037; sleep disturbances component: $$\:d$$ =0.641, p = 0.003). While limited by its cross-sectional design, these findings suggest that trait mindfulness may serve as a protective factor in depression and may be a promising target for interventions aimed at improving mental health for this clinical population. Trial registration: RBR-4pgd3ct.