Abstract
Mindfulness involves nonjudgmental awareness of one’s present experience. It has been incorporated into the treatment of many
psychological and physical disorders. Little is currently known about the extent to which mindful awareness is related to
healthy diet and physical activity. In the current study, we examined the extent to which degree of mindfulness in everyday
life predicts diet, physical activity, and self-efficacy. Participants (n = 269) were volunteers from a mid-sized Western
university. They completed measures of mindfulness, physical activity, diet, and self-efficacy. Degree of mindfulness in everyday
life predicted physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, fat intake (males only), and self-efficacy. Important gender
differences emerged, with the ability to step back and observe experience predicting healthier behaviors for males, and the
ability to mindfully describe experiences with words predicting healthier behaviors for females.
psychological and physical disorders. Little is currently known about the extent to which mindful awareness is related to
healthy diet and physical activity. In the current study, we examined the extent to which degree of mindfulness in everyday
life predicts diet, physical activity, and self-efficacy. Participants (n = 269) were volunteers from a mid-sized Western
university. They completed measures of mindfulness, physical activity, diet, and self-efficacy. Degree of mindfulness in everyday
life predicted physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, fat intake (males only), and self-efficacy. Important gender
differences emerged, with the ability to step back and observe experience predicting healthier behaviors for males, and the
ability to mindfully describe experiences with words predicting healthier behaviors for females.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s12671-010-0032-3
- Authors
- Desleigh Gilbert, Department of Psychology, University of Montana, Skaggs Bldg Room 143, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Jennifer Waltz, Department of Psychology, University of Montana, Skaggs Bldg Room 143, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Journal Mindfulness
- Online ISSN 1868-8535
- Print ISSN 1868-8527