Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

Psychology

Date of Award

8-2010

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Jon R. Webb

Committee Members

Jon B. Ellis, Stacey L. Williams

Abstract

This cross-sectional exploratory study considered the associations between mindfulness and symptoms of anxiety. The participants in this study were 183 undergraduate students at a regional university in the southeastern United States. The general hypothesis was that higher levels of mindfulness would be associated with lower levels of anxiety. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to examine the association between a variety of aspects of mindfulness and symptoms of anxiety while controlling for a variety of demographic and historical variables, including previous experience with meditation. Results suggest that not all aspects of mindfulness were related to anxiety. Of the 12 specific aspects of mindfulness measured, Cognition, Affect, Act with Awareness, and Nonjudge were the most common predictors of anxiety, obsessive-compulsiveness, and stress. Continued research is warranted, including basic relationships, as well as longitudinal and interventional designs.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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