Trait Mindfulness, Fear of Happiness, and Coping Mechanisms among Adults: A Correlational Study

Description

Page: 166-171

Amaneet Kaur Gandhi (Clinical Psychology Trainee, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab)

Trait mindfulness is an inherent inclination to focus and sustain awareness in the here and now, devoid of immediate reactions or judgments. The relationship between Trait Mindfulness, Fear of Happiness, and Coping Mechanisms (Avoidant & Approach) among adults was studied using Purposive sampling (N=101). The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (Baer et al., 2006); the Fear of Happiness Scale (Joshanloo, 2013); and the Brief Cope Scale (Carver, 1997) were used. The fear of happiness was significantly linked with trait mindfulness (r = 0.340, p < 0.01) and coping mechanisms (r = − 0.338, p < 0.01). Further analysis revealed that trait mindfulness significantly correlated with denial (r = −0.354, p < 0.01), substance use (r = −0.330, p < 0.01), self-blame (r = −0.390, p < 0.01), and self-distraction (r = −0.202, p < 0.05). Trait mindfulness significantly correlated with active coping (r = 0.260, p < 0.01), positive reframing (r = −0.248, p < 0.05), and planning (r = 0.211, p < 0.05). The fear of happiness significantly correlated with denial (r = 0.526, p < 0.01), venting (r = 0.315, p < 0.01), self-blame (r = 0.519, p < 0.01), substance use (r = 0.237, p < 0.05) and positive reframing (r = −0.277, p < 0.01). The quality of trait mindfulness fosters flexible coping strategies, facilitating greater acceptance and the ability to embrace moments of happiness. These findings contribute to the enhancement of mindfulness-based interventions, which play a pivotal role in fostering psychological well-being and fortitude when confronted with life’s challenges and uncertainty.