Dispositional Mindfulness, Gratitude and Self-Compassion: Factors Affecting Tinnitus Distress

There is evidence to suggest that mindfulness-based treatments are effective at reducing tinnitus distress by changing the way individuals respond to their tinnitus. Further research is required to assess the impact of factors associated with mindfulness-based treatments on tinnitus distress. This study examines whether dispositional mindfulness, gratitude and self-compassion are associated with psychological and tinnitus distress.

In this cross-sectional study, 182 participants with tinnitus completed online questionnaires. Measures for dispositional mindfulness, gratitude, self-compassion, tinnitus distress, psychological distress and cognitions about tinnitus were completed.

More dispositional mindfulness, gratitude and self-compassion were associated with lower tinnitus distress and psychological distress. More negative cognitions and fewer positive cognitions about tinnitus were associated with more tinnitus and psychological distress.

Dispositional mindfulness, gratitude and self-compassion are associated with the experience of distress in people with tinnitus. Future research should continue to explore the contribution of these qualities in developing a cognitive style that helps protect against distress, and whether interventions that enhance these qualities lead to better clinical outcomes.