Trait mindfulness is negatively related to physical health symptoms over time.
Amanda J. Dillard, Daniel J Frobish, Mya Hanna, Julia Korol, Courtney M. Lappas, Brian P. Meier
Psychology & health May 12, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2026.2668116 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Longitudinal observational study Cross-sectional Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 409 |
| Population | Undergraduate student participants (emerging adults) |
| Duration | 3 months (four surveys) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Perceived stress Longitudinal Neuroticism Physical symptoms Trait mindfulness |
| Key findings | Higher trait mindfulness was associated with fewer physical symptoms across all four time points over three months, independent of general health, recent perceived stress, and trait neuroticism. The authors state this is the largest longitudinal investigation of trait mindfulness and physical health symptoms in emerging adults. |
Abstract
Trait mindfulness refers to one's natural tendency to be aware of and attentive to present experiences. Although the trait has been associated with physical health, most studies have been cross-sectional and failed to account for confounding variables. The present study tested the longitudinal relationship between trait mindfulness and physical health symptoms. Undergraduate student participants completed four surveys over a period of 3 months, in which they reported their trait mindfulness, physical symptoms (e.g. fatigue, stomachache), and cold symptoms (sore throat, congestion). Additionally, participants answered questions to assess general health, recent perceived stress, and trait neuroticism. Initial enrolment included 409 participants with 288 at Time 2, 218 at Time 3, and the final wave including 172 participants. Findings indicated that those higher in trait mindfulness reported fewer symptoms across all time points, regardless of general health, recent stress, or neuroticism, t(395) = -6.75, p < 0.001. By examining associations across time and covarying related variables, this study underscores the importance of trait mindfulness in predicting health outcomes. It is the largest longitudinal investigation of trait mindfulness and physical health symptoms in emerging adults. Future studies should explore pathways through which mindfulness influences symptoms.
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 11
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
- How Does Mindfulness Training Affect Health? A Mindfulness Stress Buffering Account Current Directions in Psychological Science December 1, 2014
- Does mindfulness improve one’s affective state? Temporal associations between trait mindfulness and positive and negative affect Current Psychology August 24, 2023
- Mindfulness, mortality, disability rates, physical and mental health among the oldest old. Health Psychology August 24, 2023
and 6 more in the library