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In this research we investigated the role of mindfulness-based attention in mitigating possible negative consequences of experiencing depressive affect. A sample of 278 undergraduate college students completed self-report measures of depressive affect, negative cognitions, and mindfulness-based attention. As expected, depressive affect was positively related to negative cognitions, mindfulness-based attention was inversely related to negative cognitions, and the strength of the relationship between depressed affect and negative cognitions was significantly moderated by mindfulness-based attention. More specifically, a simple slope analysis revealed that individuals low in mindfulness-based attention evidenced a statistically significant relationship between depressive affect and negative cognitions, whereas individuals who are high in mindfulness-based attention did not. These findings support the extant literature suggesting that the general tendency to be mindful may be a protective factor against the development of psychopathology and enhance mental health.
The study and practice of mindfulness is rapidly expanding in Western psychology. Recently developed self-report measures of mindfulness were derived from Western operationalizations and cross-cultural validation of many of these measures is lacking, particularly in Buddhist cultures. Therefore, this study examined the measurement equivalence of the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) among Thai (n=385) and American (n=365) college students. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis models fit to the data revealed that the KIMS lacked configural invariance across groups, which precluded subsequent invariance tests, and although the MAAS demonstrated configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance, there was no significant latent mean MAAS difference between Thais and Americans. These findings suggest that Eastern and Western conceptualizations of mindfulness may have important differences.
Recent psychological interest in the benefits of Buddhist meditation has led to support for mindfulness as an important variable in well-being and as a target of clinical intervention. Although mindfulness interventions are gaining empirical support for a variety of conditions, low practice rates and high attrition rates may hinder the impact of this intervention. Low adherence rates in mindfulness interventions may be increased by incorporating additional Buddhist interventions which facilitate motivation to meditate and support mindfulness development. This dissertation presents the Buddhist operationalization of mindfulness and three areas of Buddhist intervention that are supportive of mindfulness as part of a larger spiritual path. There is developing evidence in psychology for several areas of Buddhist practice, suggesting that when incorporated into current mindfulness interventions, these additional practices may increase treatment adherence. The role and importance of intent, compassion, and morality in Buddhist mindfulness development are presented, and psychological support for these interventions is discussed. Recommendations for incorporating additional empirically supported Buddhist practices into mindfulness interventions are made.