ArticlePublisher preview available

Trait Mindfulness and Prosocial Behavior: The Moderating Role of Self-Construals and Individualism

Authors:
Michael Poulin at University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Michael Poulin
Lauren M. Ministero
Lauren M. Ministero
Lauren M. Ministero
  • This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.
C. Dale Shaffer-Morrison
C. Dale Shaffer-Morrison
C. Dale Shaffer-Morrison
  • This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.
Kathleen Finnerty
Kathleen Finnerty
Kathleen Finnerty
  • This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.
Show all 7 authorsHide
Read publisher preview
Download citation
To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the authors.

Abstract and Figures

Objectives Trait mindfulness is associated with many measures of individual well-being, but its relationship to prosocial behavior is less clear. Prior research found that a brief intervention boosting state mindfulness led to increased prosocial behaviors among individuals with interdependent self-construals, but decreased prosocial behaviors among individuals with independent self-construals. The present research sought to examine trait mindfulness and prosocial behavior and to examine the moderating roles of both horizontal and vertical interdependence. Methods Participants (n = 149) came to a lab and read about a charitable cause. They then had the opportunity to stuff envelopes on behalf of a fundraising appeal for that cause. Previously, outside of the lab, participants had completed measures of trait mindfulness, self-construal, and individualism-collectivism. Results Trait mindfulness predicted increased helping behavior in the form of stuffing envelopes among people high in collective interdependent self-construal and among those low in horizontal or vertical individualism. Conclusions Findings suggest that trait mindfulness can predict either greater or lesser prosocial behavior depending on people's preexisting social goals and identities, and that this pattern is not limited to vertical individualism. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.
Figures - available from: Mindfulness
This content is subject to copyright. Terms and conditions apply.
A preview of this full-text is provided by Springer Nature.
Learn more
Content available from Mindfulness
This content is subject to copyright. Terms and conditions apply.
Vol.:(0123456789)
Mindfulness (2025) 16:823–832
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02512-5
ORIGINAL PAPER
Trait Mindfulness andProsocial Behavior: The Moderating Role
ofSelf‑Construals andIndividualism
MichaelJ.Poulin1 · LaurenM.Ministero2· C.DaleShaer‑Morrison3· KathleenFinnerty1· LeslieMei1·
ImokhuedeNathanielZedomi1· ShiraGabriel1
Accepted: 20 December 2024 / Published online: 18 January 2025
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025
Abstract
Objectives Trait mindfulness is associated with many measures of individual well-being, but its relationship to prosocial
behavior is less clear. Prior research found that a brief intervention boosting state mindfulness led to increased prosocial
behaviors among individuals with interdependent self-construals, but decreased prosocial behaviors among individuals with
independent self-construals. The present research sought to examine trait mindfulness and prosocial behavior and to examine
the moderating roles of both horizontal and vertical interdependence.
Methods Participants (n = 149) came to a lab and read about a charitable cause. They then had the opportunity to stuff enve-
lopes on behalf of a fundraising appeal for that cause. Previously, outside of the lab, participants had completed measures
of trait mindfulness, self-construal, and individualism-collectivism.
Results Trait mindfulness predicted increased helping behavior in the form of stuffing envelopes among people high in col-
lective interdependent self-construal and among those low in horizontal or vertical individualism.
Conclusions Findings suggest that trait mindfulness can predict either greater or lesser prosocial behavior depending on
people's preexisting social goals and identities, and that this pattern is not limited to vertical individualism.
Preregistration This study is not preregistered.
Keywords Trait mindfulness· Prosocial behavior· Self- construal· Individualism· Collectivism
There is abundant evidence that mindfulness—a nonjudg-
mental monitoring of in-the-moment cognition, emotion,
perception, and sensation (Kabat-Zinn, 1982; Lutz etal.,
2008)—is good for individual well-being. Mindfulness train-
ing and momentary mindfulness inductions lead to reduced
stress, anxiety, and negative affect (for reviews, see Baer,
2003; Chiesa & Serretti, 2009; Grossman etal., 2004) and
increased self-esteem and subjective well-being (Keng etal.,
2011; Magalhães etal., 2023; Naragon-Gainey & Demarree,
2017; Pepping etal., 2013). Mindfulness as a trait, defined as
the proclivity to be mindful in everyday life (Bajaj & Pande,
2016; Chen etal., 2023),is also associated with individual
Lauren M. Ministero’s affiliation with The MITRE Corporation
is provided for identification purposes only, and is not intended to
convey or imply MITRE’s concurrence with, or support for, the
positions, opinions, or viewpoints expressed by the author. ©2025
The MITRE Corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Approved
for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited. Public Release Case
Number 25-0022.
* Michael J. Poulin
mjpoulin@buffalo.edu
Lauren M. Ministero
lministero@mitre.org
C. Dale Shaffer-Morrison
dale.shaffer-morrison@essex.ac.uk
Kathleen Finnerty
kfinnert@buffalo.edu
Leslie Mei
lmei@buffalo.edu
Imokhuede Nathaniel Zedomi
imokhued@buffalo.edu
Shira Gabriel
sgabriel@buffalo.edu
1 University atBuffalo, Buffalo, USA
2 MITRE Corporation, McLean, USA
3 University ofEssex, Colchester, UK
Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. Rights reserved.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
Does Mindfulness Decrease or Increase Egoic Functioning? Diverging Evidence From Different Study Designs
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2024
  • Mindfulness
Objectives Mindfulness meditation has been claimed to decrease aspects of egoic functioning (EF). However, empirical evidence is largely lacking or is suggesting the reverse. Therefore, the aim was to examine the associations between mindfulness, mindfulness interventions, egoic functioning, and emotional well-being using different designs. Method We conducted three studies: (i) a cross-sectional study in the general population (n = 796), (ii) an experiment in a student population (n = 84) where we manipulated mindfulness meditation, and (iii) an intervention in self-enrolled individuals from the general population receiving a standard 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program (n = 165). Results In the cross-sectional study, most mindfulness facets showed positive (mainly with self-enhancement) or nonsignificant associations with facets of EF. In the experiment, participants in the mindfulness meditation (vs. control) condition exhibited lower self-enhancement of positive characteristics. In the intervention, some aspects of EF decreased (e.g. demanding control), whereas some increased (e.g. refusal to comply) after MBSR, and these changes correlated meaningfully with changes in self-reported mindfulness and well-being. Conclusions The results suggest that aspects of EF are differentially associated with aspects of self-reported mindfulness and differentially respond to a brief mindfulness manipulation and an 8-week MBSR intervention. We formulated two dimensions on which various relevant self-concept constructs may be positioned: competition-based versus compassion-based. Preregistration The studies are not preregistered.
View
Mindfulness training reduces the preference for sustainable outcomes
Preprint
Full-text available
  • Feb 2024
Theoretical accounts posit that mindfulness promotes pro-environmental behavior. While this claim is supported by correlational findings, past intervention studies provided no evidence that enhancing mindfulness increases self-report measures of pro-environmental attitudes or behavior. Here, we tested whether a 31-day mindfulness intervention strengthens preferences for pro-environmental outcomes with decision tasks involving real conflict between participants’ selfish interests and beneficial consequences for the environment. To unravel the psychological mechanisms underlying the impact of mindfulness on sustainability, we assessed the impact of mindfulness training on prosociality and future orientation. Contrary to our hypotheses, the mindfulness intervention reduced instead of increased preferences for pro-environmental and prosocial outcomes, whereas no effects were observed on future orientation. Baseline preferences for pro-environmental and prosocial outcomes (and the intervention effects on them) were correlated, providing empirical evidence for a link between sustainability and prosociality. Together, the current data suggest that the relationship between mindfulness and sustainability as well as prosociality may be more complicated than assumed in the literature.
View
Promotion of Psychological Well-Being and Life Satisfaction in Pre-Adolescents Through Mindfulness Amidst COVID-19
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2023
  • Mindfulness
Objectives Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) seem to be a popular way to develop pre-adolescents’ regulation abilities, psychological health, and life satisfaction, especially in difficult times. However, research into the effects of MBPs and factors influencing their effectiveness is still scarce and mixed. In the interest of understanding how MBPs can effectively be used to enhance pre-adolescents’ regulation abilities, psychological health, and life satisfaction, this study aimed (a) to analyze and compare the effects of two 16-week-MBPs with different implementation dosages and (b) to evaluate the moderating role of participants characteristics on MBP effects. Method During the COVID pandemic, we conducted this quasi-experimental study, in which we compared three groups of Portuguese sixth graders ( n = 105): daily MBP group (one long plus four short lessons per week), weekly MBP group (one long lesson per week), and a control group receiving socioemotional instruction. In particular, we examined MBP effects on attentional control, emotion regulation, psychological distress, and life satisfaction. Also, we evaluated the moderating role of participants’ gender, age, socioeconomic status, and baseline status on these effects. Results In comparison to the other groups, the daily MBP showed lower expressive suppression and stress symptoms as well as higher life satisfaction. Moreover, both MBP groups reported greater cognitive reappraisal than the control group. While the effects of MBPs on emotion regulation were found to be moderated by gender, age, and baseline expressive suppression, no additional moderating effects were observed. Conclusions These findings support the perspective that MBPs can serve as a broad preventive strategy, effectively promoting pre-adolescents’ psychological health and life satisfaction during challenging times. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.
View
Mindfulness may be associated with less prosocial engagement among high intelligence individuals
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2023
This study examined the role of dispositional mindfulness in the association between intelligence and prosocial behavior. A total of 759 college students (mean age is 22.03; 477 females) participated in exchange for extra credit in psychology course. The results confirmed a positive relationship between intelligence and prosocial behavior as revealed by many studies, with empathy serving as a potential mediator. Mindfulness negatively moderated all the hypothesized pathways between research variables. Specifically, with the increase of the levels of dispositional mindfulness, (1) the intelligence-prosociality association changed from positive to negative, (2) the intelligence-empathy association changed from positively significant to insignificant, (3) the empathy-prosociality association changed from stronger to weaker. These findings may suggest some limitations of mindfulness. That is, present moment awareness and acceptance of the status quo may result in reduced arousal when witnessing others suffering, thereby preventing high intelligence individuals from helping the sufferers to get rid of trouble.
View
Short Mindfulness Meditation Increases Help-Giving Intention Towards a Stranger in Distress
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2022
  • Mindfulness
Objectives Mindfulness practice increases personal well-being, yet its effect on prosocial behaviors is not well-established. Initial studies suggest that an 8-week mindfulness program has a positive effect on help-giving towards a stranger in distress and that a short meditation promotes care towards an ostracized member. This research aims at examining whether a short mindfulness intervention promotes help-giving intention towards a stranger in distress and to understand the role of empathy in this effect. Methods A total of 210 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to two sessions of mindfulness practice, music, or lecture control conditions. Participants then listened to a sham interview with a student dealing with a chronic illness and were surveyed on their willingness to volunteer in an organization helping such students. Baseline dispositional empathy and consequent empathic care scales were completed to determine their effect. Results A significantly higher percentage of participants were willing to provide help in the mindfulness condition (50.8%), as compared to the music (31.2%) and the lecture (31%) conditions, χ2 (2, N = 189) = 9.51, p = .009. A significantly positive effect of dispositional empathy on empathic care was found in the mindfulness group (b = 1.40, SE = .31, p < .001), but not in the control groups. Conclusions This study showed that short mindfulness practice increases help-giving intention as compared to active control groups and moderates the association between dispositional empathy and empathic care. Future research including long-term follow-up will strengthen these findings.
View
A longitudinal study of the mediating role of resilience in the impact of trait mindfulness on anxiety and aggression in Chinese college students with left‐behind experiences
Article
  • Aug 2023
The present study investigated how trait mindfulness is related to anxiety and aggression by considering the mediating role of resilience with the longitudinal data among Chinese college students with left‐behind experience. A total of 391 Chinese college students with left‐behind experiences completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale, the Chinese college students’ version of the Buss‐Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales at two‐time points. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data, and the results indicated that resilience (T1) mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness (T1) and anxiety (T2) (indirect effect = −0.053, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−0.119, −0.005]) as well as aggression (T2) (indirect effect = −0.070, 95% CI = [−0.127, −0.029]). Therefore, trait mindfulness had direct and indirect negative associations with anxiety and aggression, and resilience mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness and both anxiety and aggression. The findings of the study provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of trait mindfulness and resilience in improving mental health outcomes and suggest clinical potential in the improvement of mental health among college students with left‐behind experiences.
View
Do contemplative practices make us more moral?
Article
  • Aug 2023
Contemplative practices are a staple of modern life and have historically been intertwined with morality. However, do these practices in fact improve our morality? The answer remains unclear because the science of contemplative practices has focused on unidimensional aspects of morality, which do not align with the type of interdependent moral functioning these practices aspire to cultivate. Here, we appeal to a multifactor construct, which allows the assessment of outcomes from a contemplative intervention across multiple dimensions of moral cognition and behavior. This offers an open-minded and empirically rigorous investigation into the impact of contemplative practices on moral actions. Using this framework, we gain insight into the effect of mindfulness meditation on morality, which we show does indeed have positive influences, but also some negative influences, distributed across our moral functioning.
View
Does Mindfulness Improve Intergroup Bias, Internalized Bias, and Anti-Bias Outcomes?: A Meta-Analysis of the Evidence and Agenda for Future Research
Article
  • Jun 2023
  • Pers Soc Psychol Bull
Whereas mindfulness has been shown to enhance personal well-being, studies suggest it may also benefit intergroup dynamics. Using an integrative conceptual model, this meta-analysis examined associations between mindfulness and (a) different manifestations of bias (implicit/explicit attitudes, affect, behavior) directed toward (b) different bias targets (outgroup or ingroup, e.g., internalized bias), by (c) intergroup orientation (toward bias or anti-bias). Of 70 samples, 42 (N = 3,229) assessed mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and 30 (N = 6,002) were correlational studies. Results showed a medium-sized negative effect of MBIs on bias outcomes, g = -0.56, 95% confidence interval [-0.72, -0.40]; I(2;3)2: 0.39; 0.48, and a small-to-medium negative effect between mindfulness and bias for correlational studies, r = -0.17 [-0.27, -0.03]; I(2;3)2: 0.11; 0.83. Effects were comparable for intergroup bias and internalized bias. We conclude by identifying gaps in the evidence base to guide future research.
View
Mindfulness training selectively reduces altruistic behaviour in low-cost situations
Article
  • Jan 2023
T here have been rich debates about whether and how mindfulness alters prosocial behaviour. Nevertheless, few empirical studies have touched on how mindfulness training (MT) influences altruistic behaviour under high-and low-cost situations in a real-life scenario. The present study aimed to examine the effect of mindfulness training on altruistic willingness at different cost levels. A total of 41 females participated in our study and were randomly assigned to the MT and control groups. They completed the empathy-altruism task and Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) before and after an 8-week experimental intervention, during which the MT group attended the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) programme, while the control group remained as usual. The MT group presented a significant increase in overall FFMQ scores after the 8 weeks of MBCT. However, their willingness to help declined in the low-cost situation at post-test. Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between the increase in the scores of the observing facet and willingness to help in the high-cost situation in the MT group. The changes in describing facet were a negative predictor of the change in empathy in the low-cost situation. Taken together, 8-week MBCT enhanced the level of mindfulness but reduced people's willingness to help in the low-cost situation.
View
The Moderation Effects of Self-Construal Between Dispositional Mindfulness and Interpersonal Forgiveness
Article
  • Jan 2023
Previous studies found an association between mindfulness and forgiveness. However, the effects of self-construal on this association are still unclear. In the present study, self-reported forgiveness and a behavioral measure of forgiveness were used to explore the moderating effect of self-construal plays between mindfulness and forgiveness among 126 participants recruited based on their mindfulness scores. Results showed that participants with high level of mindfulness in the interdependent self-construal condition reported greater forgiveness and gave more money donations towards transgressors than those in the independent self-construal condition, while there is no significant difference between interdependent and independent self-construal groups among participants with low level of mindfulness. These findings suggest that self-construal moderates the relationship between mindfulness and interpersonal forgiveness.
View