Exploring the mediating role of integrative self-knowledge in the relationship between mindfulness and well-being in the context of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an effective program for improving well-being. A growing body of studies is exploring the mechanisms mediating its beneficial effects. Integrative self-knowledge (ISK) is the construct of focus in this study. The primary goal of the current study was to investigate the mediating role of ISK in the relationship between improved mindful observing (MO), non-judging inner experience (NJ), and well-being following an MBSR program with an Iranian sample. Participants (n = 118) enrolled in MBSR and completed depression, anxiety, stress (DASS), Bartone Symptoms Checklist (BSC), Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and ISK scale before and after the program. Results showed significant reductions in BSC, DASS, and improvements in MO, NJ, and ISK at the end of the program. Mediation analyses revealed that changes in ISK significantly mediated the relationship between changes in MO and NJ and symptoms (MO indirect effect on DASS: β = 0.11, confidence interval [CI] [0.003, 0.29]; NJ indirect effect on DASS: β = 0.12, CI [−0.16, 0.45]; MO indirect effect on BSC: β = 0.08, CI [0.001, 0.27]; NJ indirect effect on BSC: β = 0.09, CI [0.01, 0.22]). Improvements in MO and NJ may provide a pathway to cultivating ISK in MBSR, which may lead to enhanced well-being.     

The Protective Influence of Relationship Commitment on the Effects of Facebook Addiction on Marital Disaffection

Abstract

Previous research has suggested that Facebook use can lead to adverse romantic relationship outcomes due to interpersonal conflicts, interactions with potential romantic alternatives, and jealousy. However, these associations have been explored mainly with undergraduates, focusing primarily on conflict rather than emotional disengagement. The current study examined the associations between Facebook addiction and marital disaffection (e.g., loss of love, emotional disengagement) amongst 138 (95 females and 43 males) cohabiting married Facebook users residing in the United States. The results revealed that Facebook addiction and marital disaffection were positively related, even after controlling for relationship commitment. Additionally, greater relationship commitment weakened the association between Facebook addiction and marital disaffection. There are likely multiple explanations for the current findings; however, results suggest that higher levels of relationship commitment may protect spouses against the negative relationship outcomes associated with Facebook addiction. Future longitudinal work with couples is needed to clarify the directionality of the relationship between Facebook addiction and marital disaffection.     

Neuroticism and Close Relationships: How Negative Affect is Linked with Relationship Disaffection in Couples

Dispositional vulnerability afforded by personality can lead to adverse relationship outcomes. Neuroticism personality is bundled with a disadvantageous temperament that makes people high in neuroticism more sensitive to negativity. Consequently, neuroticism signifies negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and sadness. Neuroticism is also inversely related to marital satisfaction. The present study examined the relationship between relationship disaffection (emotional indifference) and negative affect in the context of neuroticism. The present study included 819 participants (511 females, 308 males) between the ages of 18 years to 74 years (M = 27.16, SD = 10.58) who were in a committed or married heterosexual relationship. Our mediation model explored the relationship between neuroticism and relationship disaffection with negative affect acting as a mediator. We found a modest indirect relationship between neuroticism and relationship disaffection via negative affect. Acknowledging that individuals high in neuroticism are temperamentally sensitive to negative stimuli, therapists can assist partners in learning ways to curb negative mood to combat relationship disaffection. Future studies can build on these findings and design research addressing the limitation of the present study.     

The Analyst’s Bodily Sensations as Important Information in Clinical Work

ABSTRACT

Analysts use many different methods and therapeutic tools to understand the associations and struggles of their patients. This article suggests that, in addition to other matters we pay attention to for this purpose, it is useful for analysts to also pay attention to physical sensations that they might experience either during a session, or at other times when they are thinking about their work with the patient. I believe that the analyst’s solid familiarity with her own life history and conflicts, helps the analyst understand why her body experienced particular sensations when it did, and what, if anything, this adds to her understanding of her patient. Such understanding can then be shared with the patient, to deepen and enhance the analytic work. I also caution against a casual misuse of such a process.     

Insecure Attachment and Subclinical Depression,Anxiety, and Stress: A Three-Dimensional Model of Personality Self-Regulation As a Mediator

Although the effects of insecure attachment on vulnerability, incidence, and developing mental disorders have been confirmed by many studies, the mechanism of this effect is still unknown. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the mediating and moderating role of the three-dimensional model of personality self-regulation in the relationship between insecure attachment and subclinical depression, anxiety, and stress. Four hundred Iranian students at Shiraz University were recruited and completed the following scales: the Revised Adult Attachment, Depression Anxiety Stress, Integrative Self-Knowledge, Mindful Attention Awareness, Self-Control, and Self-Compassion. Results showed that there was a moderate correlation among all the variables under study in the expected directions. Multiple mediating models analyses indicated that regarding the relationship between insecure attachment and depression, the components of integrative self-knowledge, self-control, and self-compassion functioned as mediators. However, regarding the relationship between insecure attachment and anxiety and stress, the components of integrative self-knowledge, mindfulness, and self-compassion relatively functioned as mediators. Further, our results showed that only mindfulness and self-compassion were identified as moderators in the relationship between insecure attachment and depression. It is concluded that insecure attachment may cause psychological damage due to deficiency in the components of the three-dimensional model of personality self-regulation, and that mindfulness and self-compassion may play a protective role in the relationship between insecure attachment and depression.     

Neuroticism and Facebook Addiction: How Social Media can Affect Mood?

Abstract

Individuals high in neuroticism experience negative affect and social anxiety, therefore, they may prefer online communications where they are able to portray an idealized image of themselves to attract social support, seek validation, and enhance mood. These motivations may lead to greater social media use and addiction. In this study of Facebook users (N?=?742; 474 females, 268 males) who mostly resided in the United States, we explored the association between neuroticism, Facebook addiction, and negative affect. Our mediation model showed a partial mediating effect of Facebook addiction in predicting negative affect in individuals who were high in neuroticism. In theory, individuals who use Facebook as a tool to improve their mood may actually experience more negative affect due to social overload, jealousy, and envy. Individuals high in neuroticism, who already maintain a higher negative affect than those low in neuroticism, might be particularly inclined towards increased Facebook use, which could deteriorate their mood further. Consequently, individuals and therapists should be aware of the personality traits that could lead to greater Facebook addiction and a higher negative mood. Therapists could encourage users to engage in activities, other than social media use, that can improve mood without leading to addiction.