The effects of mindfulness and self-consciousness on persistence

Although theory and research suggest that self-awareness is necessary to regulate one’s behaviors, it is unclear what effect mindfulness, a form of present-centered, non-judgmental, and non-reactive awareness, would have on behavioral self-regulation. The present study found that trait mindfulness, particularly its nonjudging and non-reacting facets, predicted increased persistence on a difficult lab task (N = 142). Although self-critical facets of self-consciousness were negatively related to mindfulness, self-consciousness did not predict persistence as expected. Mindfulness, particularly nonjudging and non-reactive aspects, may improve self-regulation.