Trait mindfulness is negatively related to physical health symptoms over time

Trait mindfulness refers to one's natural tendency to be aware of and attentive to present experiences. Although the trait has been associated with physical health, most studies have been cross-sectional and failed to account for confounding variables. The present study tested the longitudinal relationship between trait mindfulness and physical health symptoms. Undergraduate student participants completed four surveys over a period of 3 months, in which they reported their trait mindfulness, physical symptoms (e.g. fatigue, stomachache), and cold symptoms (sore throat, congestion). Additionally, participants answered questions to assess general health, recent perceived stress, and trait neuroticism. Initial enrolment included 409 participants with 288 at Time 2, 218 at Time 3, and the final wave including 172 participants. Findings indicated that those higher in trait mindfulness reported fewer symptoms across all time points, regardless of general health, recent stress, or neuroticism, t(395) = -6.75, p < 0.001. By examining associations across time and covarying related variables, this study underscores the importance of trait mindfulness in predicting health outcomes. It is the largest longitudinal investigation of trait mindfulness and physical health symptoms in emerging adults. Future studies should explore pathways through which mindfulness influences symptoms.