The role of mindfulness-based stress reduction on attachment, self-compassion, perceived stress, and resilience

Abstract

This study examined differences in levels of mindfulness, attachment dimensions, self-compassion, perceived stress, and resilience between pre- and post-Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR; Jon Kabat-Zinn, 2013) training and between an MBSR group and control group with little-to-no exposure to mindfulness. The study also investigated associations between mindfulness and attachment dimensions and the related variables. It was hypothesized that there would be significant pre- and post-MBSR training differences across the studied variables. Specifically, it was hypothesized that post-training measures would yield higher levels of mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience and lower levels of attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and perceived stress when compared to pre-training measures. Results confirmed the hypotheses with the exception of finding no significant changes in attachment avoidance and perceived stress. It was also hypothesized that the MBSR group would yield higher levels of mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience and lower levels of attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and perceived stress when compared to the control group. No significant differences between the two groups were detected across the studied variables. Results of a correlational analysis revealed a significant negative association between mindfulness measures and attachment anxiety as well as significant correlations with related variables. Implications of significant and non-significant results are discussed in terms of understanding the underlying mechanisms of the link between mindfulness, attachment, self-compassion, perceived stress, and resilience.