Mindfulness and mind-wandering: finding convergence through opposing constructs

Emotion. 2012 Jun;12(3):442-448. doi: 10.1037/a0026678. Epub 2012 Feb 6.

Abstract

Research into both mindfulness and mind-wandering has grown rapidly, yet clarification of the relationship between these two seemingly opposing constructs is still absent. A first study addresses the relationship between a dispositional measure of mindfulness (Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale, MAAS) and converging measures of both self-reported and indirect markers of mind-wandering. Negative correlations between dispositional mindfulness and 4 measures of mind-wandering confirm the opposing relationship between the 2 constructs and further validate the use of the MAAS as a dispositional measure of mindfulness. A second study demonstrated that 8 minutes of mindful breathing reduces behavioral indicators of mind-wandering during a Sustained Attention to Response Task compared with both passive relaxation and reading. Together these studies clarify the opposition between the constructs of mindfulness and mind-wandering and so should lead to greater convergence between what have been predominately separate, yet mutually relevant, lines of research.

MeSH terms

  • Affect
  • Attention*
  • Awareness
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mind-Body Therapies / psychology
  • Psychological Tests
  • Thinking*
  • Young Adult