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Mindfulness and positive affect: Cross-sectional, prospective intervention, and real-time relations

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study tested trait- and state-mindfulness and trait- and state-positive affect (PA) relations within a cross-sectional study (Study 1; N = 174, 76% women, Mean (SD) age = 24 (2.7) years) and a randomized controlled 4-session mindfulness intervention study (Study 2; N = 51, 65.4% women, Mean (SD) age = 25 (4.3) years). Study 1: levels of trait-mindfulness and trait-like PA were related, as theorized, only among participants with meditation experience. Study 2: Study 2 is a secondary analysis of a mindfulness intervention study [Tanay, Lotan, & Bernstein (2012). Salutary proximal processes and distal mood and anxiety vulnerability outcomes of mindfulness training: A Pilot preventive intervention. Behavior Therapy, 43, 492-505]. Unexpectedly, reduced levels of trait-like PA were observed pre- to post-intervention across conditions. No significant between-group mean differences were observed post-intervention. However, as expected, change in trait-mindfulness from pre- to post-intervention predicted change in trait-like PA among the intervention but not control condition. Second, levels of state-mindfulness during mindfulness meditation were positively related to levels of state-PA. The theoretical and applied implications of these findings for mindfulness and PA are discussed.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)349-361
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Positive Psychology
Volume7
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012

Keywords

  • mindfulness
  • positive affect

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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