Facing the waves of negative mood: Trait mindfulness moderates the links between physiology and emotion

Abstract

Trait mindfulness is a dispositional ability characterized by awareness, non-judgment, and acceptance of internal and external experiences. Stress is associated with numerous psychological and physical health concerns including depression and anxiety. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have consistently been shown to reduce perceived stress and improve a variety of other health outcomes. However, the mechanisms through which mindfulness confers these benefits are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to examine (1) the relationship between trait mindfulness and changes in cortisol following a negative Mood Induction Procedure (MIP) and (2) whether trait mindfulness moderates the relationship between changes in cortisol and mood reactivity following a negative MIP. Participants were recruited from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (N = 25 participants) and completed a series of self-report questionnaires, negative and positive mood induction, and mood assessments. Participants provided salivary cortisol samples before and after negative MIPs. Results indicated that, following the negative MIP, sadness and anxiety were associated with greater reductions in cortisol. Trait mindfulness moderated these associations. Overall, these findings contribute to a broader understanding of emotional responses to negatively-valenced stressors and how they are mitigated by mindfulness. They suggest support for future applications of mindfulness-based interventions in high-stress populations.