The mindful personality: A meta-analysis from a cybernetic perspective

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Personality Science
• Mindfulness Research

Background:

• Dispositional mindfulness (DM), the tendency to focus on present experiences, may influence personality structure.
• Previous research has not definitively established the relationship between DM and the Big Five Model of Personality (BF).

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend previous investigations of the DM-BF relationship using a larger sample.
• To address inconsistencies related to different DM operationalizations.
• To conduct the first meta-analysis of DM subdomains and the BF, and integrate findings within a cybernetic model.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis synthesizing data from multiple studies on DM and the BF.
• Examination of DM subdomains in relation to the BF.
• Comparison of results based on different DM measurement tools (FFMQ and MAAS).

Main Results:

• Neuroticism showed the strongest negative correlation with DM; Conscientiousness showed the strongest positive correlation.
• The mindful personality is characterized by emotional stability and self-regulation, aligning with personality stability.
• Measurement tools influenced findings: the FFMQ associated with all five BF traits, while the MAAS linked to three (Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness).

Conclusions:

• The mindful personality is strongly associated with emotional stability and conscientiousness.
• Measurement methods for DM yield nuanced differences in their relationship with the BF.
• Facet-level analysis reveals unique associations between DM facets and BF traits, suggesting complex interplay.