The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being.

Mindfulness, an attribute of consciousness, is linked to well-being. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) was developed and validated to measure dispositional mindfulness. Studies show the MAAS captures a unique quality of consciousness related to well-being, distinguishes mindfulness practitioners, and is associated with enhanced self-awareness. An experience-sampling study found that both dispositional and state mindfulness predict self-regulated behavior and positive emotional states. In a clinical intervention with cancer patients, increases in mindfulness over time corresponded with declines in mood disturbance and stress.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mindfulness is an attribute of consciousness long believed to promote well-being. This research provides a theoretical and empirical examination of the role of mindfulness in psychological well-being. The development and psychometric properties of the dispositional Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) are described. Correlational, quasi-experimental, and laboratory studies then show that the MAAS measures a unique quality of consciousness that is related to a variety of well-being constructs, that differentiates mindfulness practitioners from others, and that is associated with enhanced self-awareness. An experience-sampling study shows that both dispositional and state mindfulness predict self-regulated behavior and positive emotional states. Finally, a clinical intervention study with cancer patients demonstrates that increases in mindfulness over time relate to declines in mood disturbance and stress.