The Relationship between Mindfulness and Resilience in Maltese Undergraduates: A study of Affective Well-being as a Potential Mediator
Elaine Atkins, Matthew Muscat-Inglott
International Journal of Emotional Education July 20, 2023 DOI: 10.56300/kcyy1339 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey with mediation/path analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 226 |
| Population | Maltese undergraduate students |
| Measures | Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Brief Resilience Scale |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Affective well-being fully mediated the relationship between mindfulness and resilience in Maltese undergraduates; the indirect pathways through positive and negative affect cumulatively accounted for a majority of the explanatory power attributable to mindfulness alone. The authors argue for formalized mindfulness interventions in higher education. |
Abstract
Existing research suggests that mindfulness cultivates positive affect while reducing negative affect, and facilitates increases in resilience. More research is needed to examine the complex mechanisms by which emotional affect likely translates mindfulness into increased states of resilience in undergraduates. We hypothesised that the relationship between mindfulness and resilience in Maltese undergraduates is mediated by both positive and negative affect. Using a cross-sectional survey design and quantitative methodology based on mediation analysis, a questionnaire comprising the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Brief Resilience Scale was circulated among 226 Maltese undergraduates. The results support previous research indicating significant relationships between mindfulness and both forms of emotional affect, as well as increased resilience. A path analysis revealed full mediation of the interaction between mindfulness and resilience by affective well-being. The indirect pathways through positive and negative affect to resilience, cumulatively accounted for a majority of the explanatory power attributable to mindfulness alone. Finally, an argument is presented in favour of mindfulness as a more formalised intervention within higher education settings, to support broader psychological wellness outcomes among Maltese undergraduates. Keywords: Mindfulness, resilience, affective well-being, undergraduate students, path analysis
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Experienced meditators and nonmeditating comparison groups | 2008 | Cross-sectional study | |
| Neural Correlates of Dispositional Mindfulness During Affect Labeling Adult participants | 2007 | Observational cross-sectional | n = 27 |
| Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). School-aged children and adolescents | 2011 | Cross-sectional validation study | n = 1,413 |
| Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators Experienced meditators and demographically matched nonmeditators | 2012 | Cross-sectional study | n = 152 |
| Mechanisms of Action in the Inverse Relationship Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress Undergraduates | 2008 | Cross-sectional, correlational |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- 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
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007