Trait mindfulness influences self-reported mental health in individuals with depression
Geovan Menezes de Sousa, Geissy Lainny de Lima-Araújo, Vagner Deuel de Oliveira Tavares, Stephany Campanelli Esmaile, Maria Luiza de Morais Barros, Yves Martins Varela, Kaike Thiê da Costa Gonçalves, Emerson Arcoverde Nunes, Felipe Barreto Schuch, Jaime E. C. Hallak, Megan Teychenne, Maria Bernardete Cordeiro de Sousa, Nicole Leite Galvão‐coelho
Current Psychology June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-026-09635-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 97 |
| Population | Adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Mental health Depression economics Trait anxiety Psychological intervention Clinical psychology Depressive symptoms Curiosity Sleep quality Cluster spacecraft |
| Key findings | Higher trait mindfulness is associated with lower depressive and anxiety symptoms, better sleep quality, and higher self-esteem in adults with MDD. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 21
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- Dispositional mindfulness moderates the relation between neuroticism and depressive symptoms Personality and Individual Differences September 16, 2011
and 16 more in the library