Mindfulness, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, and Posttraumatic Growth in Aid Workers: The Role of Self-Acceptance and Rumination.
Xue Wen, Yuanyuan An, Yuyang Zhou, Jiaxuan Du, Wei Xu
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease March 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001275 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 298 |
| Population | Aid workers from the Red Cross Organization |
| Topics | Meditation PTSD |
| Keywords | Humans Occupational diseases Self concept Stress disorders, post-traumatic Psychological tests Adolescent Red cross Female Young adult Emergency responders Surveys and questionnaires Rumination, cognitive Posttraumatic growth, psychological |
| Key findings | Mindfulness was negatively associated with PTSD, mediated by higher self-acceptance and lower intrusive rumination. Mindfulness was positively associated with posttraumatic growth, but the proposed mediation through self-acceptance and deliberate rumination was not supported because the path between self-acceptance and deliberate rumination was impassable. |
Abstract
Abstract:
Objective: The risk for aid workers to develop posttraumatic mental problems highlights the importance of reducing the harm of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and promoting the benefits of posttraumatic growth (PTG). This study examined the negative relationship between mindfulness and PTSS, and the positive relationship between mindfulness and PTG, and further explored the mediating roles of self-acceptance, intrusive rumination, and deliberate rumination.
Methods: Aid workers from the Red Cross Organization (N = 298) were recruited in the study. They completed a series of questionnaires assessing mindfulness, self-acceptance, rumination, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and PTG.
Results: Results showed that mindfulness was significantly and negatively associated with PTSD through positively predicting self-acceptance and negatively predicting intrusive rumination. Mindfulness was significantly and positively associated with PTG, although the mediating effect did not exist because the path between self-acceptance and deliberate rumination was impassable.
Conclusion: The mechanisms between mindfulness, PTSD, and PTG were further explored. Limitations and implications for trauma intervention and future research were discussed.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on PTSD, most cited first.
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|---|---|---|---|
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| Coping motives mediate the relationship between PTSD and MDMA use in adolescents with substance use disorders German adolescent SUD patients aged 13–18 years at an outpatient clinic | 2022 | Cross-sectional study | n = 111 |
| Risk factors of sleep paralysis in a population of Polish students. Polish university students under 35 | 2022 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 2,553 |
| Expert opinions on implementation of MDMA-assisted therapy in Europe: critical appraisal towards training, clinical practice, and regulation. Researchers and clinicians involved in MDMA-AT clinical trials and contributors to the... | 2024 | Survey | n = 68 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- The Impact of Trauma-Informed Meditation on Posttraumatic Growth: A Randomized Controlled Trial Research Square June 1, 2026
- Refugees, Trauma, and Positive Psychological Change: Mindfulness as a Moderator for Posttraumatic Growth. Healthcare February 3, 2026
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy on Posttraumatic Growth and Quality of Life in Patients With Breast Cancer Under Early Chemotherapy Holistic Nursing Practice August 28, 2022
- The more mindfulness practice, the more post-trauma stress symptoms? Trait mindfulness and PTSS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current Psychology March 15, 2022
Cites 7
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- The Mindfulness-to-Meaning Theory: Extensions, Applications, and Challenges at the Attention–Appraisal–Emotion Interface Psychological Inquiry October 2, 2015
- Relating dispositional mindfulness, contemplative practice, and positive reappraisal with posttraumatic cognitive coping, stress, and growth. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice and Policy September 1, 2017
- The Body Scan and Mindful Breathing Among Veterans with PTSD: Type of Intervention Moderates the Relationship Between Changes in Mindfulness and Post-treatment Depression. Mindfulness October 20, 2015
- Dispositional Mindfulness Co-varies with Self-Reported Positive Reappraisal. Personality and Individual Differences August 1, 2014
and 2 more in the library