Mindful Growth: The Relationship Between Dispositional Mindfulness, Cognitive Coping, Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth

• Other Authors: Hanley, Adam W. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Counseling psychology
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_2016SU_Hanley_fsu_0071E_12709

This study explored the relationship between dispositional mindfulness, posttraumatic outcomes (i.e., stress and growth) and cognitive coping strategies (i.e., intrusive rumination, deliberate rumination, and positive reappraisal) that may support more positive posttraumatic outcomes. In blending a literature base addressing posttraumatic growth with a literature base exploring mindfulness and positive reappraisal, it appears that dispositional mindfulness is uniquely situated to positively influence posttraumatic cognitions, recovery and growth. The relationship between mindfulness, cognitive coping and posttraumatic outcomes was investigated in a sample (N=437) of university students given the high, traumatic exposure prevalence rate (e.g., 72%-92%) and the elevated rates of posttraumatic distress observed in college students (approximately 20% report clinical or subclinical levels of distress). Path analysis revealed that both dispositional mindfulness and the amount of schematic disruption associated with the traumatic exposure had significant direct and indirect effects on posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth. Interpretation of the path analysis suggested three, broad paths: 1) An intrusive path linking traumatic disruption to posttraumatic stress through intrusive rumination, 2) A deliberate path linking traumatic disruption to both posttraumatic outcomes through deliberate rumination, associated with greater posttraumatic stress and greater posttraumatic growth, and 3) A mindful-reappraisal path linking mindfulness to both posttraumatic outcomes through positive reappraisal and both ruminative types, associated with reduced posttraumatic stress and greater posttraumatic growth. Results suggest that dispositional mindfulness, the amount of schematic disruption following a traumatic exposure, and cognitive coping styles all affect posttraumatic outcomes. As such, appropriately selected and implemented mindfulness-based interventions may facilitate recovery and growth in the aftermath of trauma. === A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Summer Semester 2015. === June 2, 2015. === coping, mindfulness, positive reappraisal, posttraumatic growth, posttraumatic stress, rumination === Includes bibliographical references. === Angela Canto, Professor Directing Dissertation; Neil Abell, University Representative; Debra Osborn, Committee Member; Alysia Roehrig, Committee Member; , .