Trait mindfulness, self-efficacy, and coping strategies during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic may have negative impacts on individuals' mental health. At the same time, protective factors such as mindfulness, i.e., a moment-to-moment awareness of own experiences without judgment, may have positive effects on various psychological outcomes during the pandemic.

OBJECTIVES

The current study analyzed the associations between trait mindfulness and psychological outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic at three measurement points, testing self-efficacy and coping strategies as further potential predictors.

DESIGN & METHODS: Altogether 207 students (85% female, mostly between 18 and 25 years old) participated in a longitudinal online survey from May to July 2020. At t1, t2, and t3, trait mindfulness, COVID-19-specific psychological well-being, depressiveness, anxiety, and stress were assessed. In addition, coping strategies were measured at t1 and self-efficacy at t2.

RESULTS

Psychological outcomes at t1 were associated with trait mindfulness and coping strategies. The change in psychological outcomes between t2 and t3 was predicted by trait mindfulness and self-efficacy and to some extent by maladaptive coping. In a cross-lagged panel design, trait mindfulness was a better predictor of the psychological outcomes than vice versa.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the value of trait mindfulness for psychological outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.