Self-compassion and grit mediated the relation between mindfulness and mind wandering based on cross-sectional survey data

Cheung, R. Y. M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0998-7991 and Djekou, L. (2024) Self-compassion and grit mediated the relation between mindfulness and mind wandering based on cross-sectional survey data. Scientific Reports, 14. 9090. ISSN 2045-2322 doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-58395-y

Abstract/Summary

Previous research suggests that mindfulness and mind wandering are opposing constructs. However, little is known about why and how they are negatively related. Through a process-oriented approach, this cross-sectional study tested self-compassion and grit as mediators for the relation between mindfulness and mind wandering. A total of 487 self-identified meditators were recruited from the UK (241 female, 49.49%). Participants reported a mean age of 38.98 years (SD = 10.03), with an average of 2.26 h of meditation practice per week (SD = 4.47). Upon informed consent, the participants completed a self-report questionnaire that assessed the core variables under study. Path analysis indicated that mindfulness was related to self-compassion. Greater self-compassion was, in turn, related to greater grit, which was then related to lower mind wandering. Bootstrapping analysis further indicated that self-compassion and grit as mediators between mindfulness and mind wandering, above and beyond age, gender, hours of meditation, income, and education as covariates. The cross-sectional findings provided initial evidence of mediation by showing that mindfulness and mind wandering were related through self-compassion and grit.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/115905
Identification Number/DOI	10.1038/s41598-024-58395-y
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology
Publisher	Nature
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