The Importance Of Mindfulness

Previous research has a supported a relationship between mindfulness practice and forgiveness of self and others (Webb, Phillips, Bumgarner, & Conway-Williams, 2013). However, far less is known about the exact mechanisms in which mindfulness plays a role in forgiveness. This current research aims to bridge this gap by introducing empathy as a mediator in the relationship between mindfulness and forgiveness. Trait measures of mindfulness, empathy, and forgiveness will be administered to a college population for a correlational study that aims to examine the connections between mindfulness, empathy, and general forgiveness among close relationships. The results of this study will provide a greater understanding of how mechanisms of mindfulness

A mindful person is capable of identifying any feelings, thoughts, and sensations taking place at any given moment. Mindfulness also involves “approaching these experiences with a non-judging, accepting attitude” (Karremans, Schellekens, & Kappen, 2015). Taking in these thoughts and feelings without judgment allows one to integrate them into their overall experience of the present moment, with no regards to the past or future. A substantial amount of research supports the benefits mindfulness has on positive mental health outcomes, including life satisfaction, self-esteem, and optimism (Brown & Ryan, 2003). On the other hand, only a minimal amount of research has examined the benefits of mindfulness in relation to interpersonal functioning. Baer, Smith, Hopkins, Kreitemeyer, & Toney (2006) highlight five facets of trait mindfulness. In terms of experience, being non-reactive and non-judging are two dimensions of mindfulness. The last three are observing the present moment, acting with awareness and concentration, and being able to describe current thoughts, feelings, and

Mindfulness practice may cultivate skills that may provide resilience in face of difficult events (Karremans, Schellekens, & Kappen, 2015). Johns, Allen, and Gordon (2015) explored the relationship between aspects of mindfulness and forgiveness of infidelity and found that the mindfulness skill of being non-reactive was positively related to higher levels of forgiveness. Furthermore, lower levels of acting with awareness and being non-judgmental of experiences were related to higher levels of non-forgiveness. Since close relationships and romantic relationships rely on similar processes for relationship functioning, this study aims to extend the type of forgiveness to non-romantic relationships by measuring one’s general willingness to forgive. Studies have also examined the relationship between mindfulness and other emotions, which is why empathy is introduced as a mediator variable in the relationship between mindfulness and forgiveness. Wachs and Cordova’s study (2007) found that emotional repertoire skills such as empathic concern, perspective taking, control of anger expression, and self-soothing of anger all related to mindfulness. In times of conflict, mindful awareness of a persons own reactions may increase empathy towards another person by understanding the role external means play in influencing another’s actions (Karremans, Schellekens, & Kappen,