Graduate Program

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2015

Thesis Director

Ronan S. Bernas

Abstract

Mindfulness can be defined as an awareness fostered by regulating one's attention in a particular manner over time, on purpose, in the present moment, and in a non-judgmental manner (Kabat-Zinn, 2012). In attempting to identify some of the mechanisms of action through which mindfulness positively impacts well-being, recent literature has suggested the possible role that emotional intelligence (EI) might play (Schutte & Malouff, 2011; Wang & Kong, 2014). The present study attempted to empirically verify the proposed mechanism of action. In addition, the study conceptualized mindfulness as a multidimensional construct by adopting the five-facet model of mindfulness (Baer, Smith, Hopkins, Krietmeyer, & Toney, 2006). Specifically, the study identified which of the five facets of mindfulness were most predictive of subjective well-being (SWB) and EI, and determined if EI acted as a mediator in the relationship between each of the most predictive facets of mindfulness and SWB. One hundred and twenty-three Eastern Illinois University students participated in the study by completing an online questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that EI partially mediated the relationship between overall mindfulness and each of the SWB components of positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction. The mindfulness facets, 'describing' and 'non-reactivity', were most predictive of EI and SWB. Further, EI partially mediated the relationship between 'describing' and life satisfaction and positive affect, and the relationship between 'non-reactivity' and positive and negative affect. Clinical implications of the study, limitations, and suggestions for future research were addressed.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS