The influence of dispositional mindfulness on safety behaviors: A dual process perspective

• We use a dual process framework to model mindfulness-performance link.
• We test the model on safety performance of nuclear power plants operators.
• Dispositional mindfulness predicts performance over contentiousness.
• The mindfulness-performance link is more positive among intelligent operators.
• The mindfulness-performance link is more positive among experienced operators.

Based on the dual process model of human cognition, this study investigated the influence of dispositional mindfulness on operators’ safety behaviors and its boundary conditions. In a sample of 212 nuclear power plant control room operators, it was found that both safety compliance and safety participation behaviors were positively influenced by dispositional mindfulness as measured by the 14-item Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory. This effect was still positive after controlling for age, intelligence, work experience and conscientiousness. Moreover, two boundary conditions were identified: the impact of dispositional mindfulness of safety behaviors was stronger among operators who were either more experienced or more intelligent. Theoretically, the framework we used to understand the benefit of mindfulness on safety behaviors has been proved to be useful. Practically, it provides a new and valid criterion that could be used in operators’ selection and training program to improve organizational safety.