Executive function and self-regulation mediate dispositional mindfulness and well-being

Research indicates that mindfulness is linked to higher-order neurocognitive control processes, and the associated executive functions and self-regulation capacities needed in daily life. The current study examines the roles of executive function and self-regulation in the link between dispositional...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Personality and individual differences 2016-04, Vol.93, p.97-103
Main Authors: Short, Megan M., Mazmanian, Dwight, Oinonen, Kirsten, Mushquash, Christopher J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Executive function
Mindfulness
Neurocognitive control
Self-regulation
Well-being
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Summary:Research indicates that mindfulness is linked to higher-order neurocognitive control processes, and the associated executive functions and self-regulation capacities needed in daily life. The current study examines the roles of executive function and self-regulation in the link between dispositional mindfulness and well-being using a multi-method, two-phase longitudinal design. Two multiple mediator models were tested in a sample of 77 undergraduate students. Self-regulation independently mediated the relationship between mindfulness and positive affect; however, both executive function and self-regulation independently mediated the relationship between mindfulness and negative affect. The mindfulness facets of acting with awareness and non-judgment were most strongly related to executive function and well-being outcomes, while describing and acting with awareness were most strongly related to self-regulation. Performance-based neurocognitive control was related to self-regulation and positive affect, and a test of inhibition/shifting was related to executive function in daily life. Thus, students who are more dispositionally mindful than their peers tend to be non-judgmental and act with awareness, rather than on automatic pilot, which may engage executive functions and self-regulation. •Two-phase longitudinal design testing two multiple mediator models in 77 students•Included self-report and performance measures of executive function•Self-regulation mediated mindfulness–positive affect link•Executive function and self-regulation mediated mindfulness–negative affect link
ISSN:0191-8869
1873-3549
DOI:10.1016/j.paid.2015.08.007