Mindfulness and trauma recovery among internally displaced individuals: the mediating role of distress tolerance in a cross-sectional mediation model

In a cross-sectional study of 321 Yemeni internally displaced persons, all facets of mindfulness—observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-reactivity, and non-judgment—were positively associated with both distress tolerance and trauma recovery. Distress tolerance partially mediated the relationship between mindfulness and trauma recovery, suggesting that mindfulness may support recovery partly by enhancing the ability to tolerate distress. The authors indicate the potential value of incorporating mindfulness and distress-tolerance components into interventions for internally displaced populations.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness has gained increasing attention for its role in fostering emotional regulation and psychological resilience. In contexts of displacement and trauma, mindfulness may be associated with improved adaptive coping and recovery. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationships among mindfulness, distress tolerance, and trauma recovery in internally displaced individuals, with a focus on the mediating role of distress tolerance. Methods: A sample of 321 Yemeni internally displaced persons completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), and the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5 (PDS-5). Results: Analysis revealed that all facets of mindfulness-observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-reactivity, and non-judgment-were positively associated with both distress tolerance and trauma recovery. Mediation models indicated that distress tolerance partially mediated the relationship between mindfulness and trauma recovery. Conclusion: These findings indicate the potential value of including mindfulness and distress-tolerance components in interventions for internally displaced populations.