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23-04-2021 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Using the Broaden-and-Build Theory to Test a Model of Mindfulness, Affect, and Stress

Auteurs: Laura K. Johnson, Ruby Nadler, Julie Carswell, John Paul Minda

Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness | Uitgave 7/2021

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Abstract

Objectives

According to the broaden-and-build theory, cultivating positive emotions can build personal resources that help individuals cope with stressors. Recent research suggests that dispositional mindfulness can promote an upward spiral of positive emotions. Mindfulness may also interrupt the downward spiral of negative emotions. Despite considerable research on mindfulness and stress, it remains unclear which facets of mindfulness drive this relationship. As such, we aimed to explore which facets of mindfulness predicted stress and to investigate the potential mediating role of affect and resilience. Extending an existing model of mindfulness in the workplace, we examined both positive and negative affect.

Methods

As part of a larger study testing a workplace mindfulness intervention, 193 full-time employees at a Fortune 100 company in the USA completed self-report measures of trait mindfulness, affect, resilience, and perceived stress.

Results

Structural equation modelling was conducted to compare competing models. For mindfulness, non-reacting and non-judging significantly predicted stress. Contrary to hypotheses, resilience did not predict stress in the final model. Negative affect was the most robust predictor of stress.

Conclusions

Mindfulness may indirectly reduce stress by decreasing experiences of negative affect. Increased positive affect played less of a role in stress reduction. Interpreted through the lens of the broaden-and-build theory, mindfulness may help break the negative spiral by encouraging decentering (i.e., non-judging) and by reducing emotional reactivity to stressors (i.e., non-reacting).
Literatuur
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Metagegevens
Titel
Using the Broaden-and-Build Theory to Test a Model of Mindfulness, Affect, and Stress
Auteurs
Laura K. Johnson
Ruby Nadler
Julie Carswell
John Paul Minda
Publicatiedatum
23-04-2021
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Mindfulness / Uitgave 7/2021
Print ISSN: 1868-8527
Elektronisch ISSN: 1868-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01633-5