Dispositional mindfulness, self-concept, and psychological symptoms: Bidirectional predictive associations in children and adolescents
Nerea Cortázar, Esther Calvete
Behavioral Psychology/Psicología Conductual September 9, 2022 DOI: 10.51668/bp.8322202n (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Longitudinal study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 832 |
| Population | Adolescents aged 11 to 18 |
| Duration | Two waves six months apart |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Dispositional mindfulness did not predict later changes in psychological problems, but psychological problems generally predicted lower mindfulness. Some mindfulness facets predicted increases in self-concept dimensions, and self-concept predicted higher mindfulness and fewer externalizing problems. The facet 'acting with awareness' mediated the relationship between externalizing problems and two self-concept dimensions. |
Abstract
Several studies have indicated that dispositional mindfulness (DM) predicts better mental health in adolescents. The current study expands previous research by examining the reciprocal longitudinal associations between DM facets and psychological problems. In addition, the potential mediating role of self-concept (SC) dimensions is examined. A sample of 832 adolescents aged between 11 and 18 completed measures of DM, SC, and internalizing and externalizing problems in two waves six months apart. DM did not predict changes in psychological problems. However, in general, psychological problems predicted lower DM, some facets of DM predicted an increase in SC dimensions, and SC predicted higher scores on DM and fewer externalizing problems. In addition, acting with awareness mediated the relationship between externalizing problems and two SC dimensions. Findings highlight the beneficial role of having a positive SC for some dimensions of DM, and vice versa.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Exploring the Effects of a Mindfulness Program for Students of Secondary School International Journal of Knowledge Society Research 2011
- Dispositional Mindfulness and Psychological Health: a Systematic Review Mindfulness July 1, 2017
- Mindfulness meditation and explicit and implicit indicators of personality and self-concept changes. Frontiers in Psychology January 29, 2015