Unpacking the role of psychopathology in the state-to-trait mindfulness transition: A longitudinal structural...

Research has established that higher trait mindfulness is inversely associated with psychopathology in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, and research has also demonstrated that mindfulness-based interventions increase trait mindfulness over time. The present study sought to investigate the trajectory of mindfulness development by examining whether repeated practice of state mindfulness during the intervention cultivates trait mindfulness over time, and whether baseline psychopathology moderates this growth trajectory.

We recruited 274 participants to explore how psychopathology (i.e., anxiety, depression, trauma, and alcohol use) relate to the development of state mindfulness during a four-week, asynchronous online mindfulness-based reduction course.

Using a latent growth curve model, key findings were that previous mindfulness experience predicted baseline state mindfulness (β = 0.324, p < .001); baseline anxiety positively predicted baseline state mindfulness (β = 0.420, p = .002) and negatively predicted growth in state mindfulness (β = -0.492, p = .047); and growth in state mindfulness positively predicted final trait mindfulness levels (β = 1.144, p = .035).

These results suggest that individuals with higher anxiety may face challenges while engaging with mindfulness practice. The study contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of state mindfulness growth and highlights the potential interference of anxiety in the psychotherapeutic trajectory.