Discrimination hurts, but mindfulness may help: Trait mindfulness moderates the relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Discriminatory experiences are not only momentarily distressing, but can also increase risk for lasting physical and psychological problems. Specifically, significantly higher rates of depression and depressive symptoms are reported among people who are frequently the target of prejudice. Given the gravity of this problem, this research focuses on an individual difference, trait mindfulness, as a protective factor in the association between discrimination and depressive symptoms. In a community sample of 605 individuals, trait mindfulness dampens the relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms. Additionally, mindfulness provides benefits above and beyond those of positive emotions. Trait mindfulness may thus operate as a protective individual difference for targets of discrimination.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Brown-Iannuzzi, JL; Adair, KC; Payne, BK; Richman, LS; Fredrickson, BL

Published Date

  • January 2014

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 56 /

PubMed ID

  • 24347755

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC3862075

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0191-8869

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.paid.2013.09.015

Language

  • eng