Both trait and state mindfulness predict lower aggressiveness via anger rumination: A multilevel mediation analysis

Abstract

Trait mindfulness, or the capacity for nonjudgmental, present-centered attention, predicts lower aggression in cross-sectional samples, an effect mediated by reduced anger rumination. Experimental work also implicates state mindfulness (i.e., fluctuations around one's typical mindfulness) in aggression. Despite evidence that both trait and state mindfulness predict lower aggression, their relative impact and their mechanisms remain unclear. Higher trait mindfulness and state increases in mindfulness facets may reduce aggression-related outcomes by (1) limiting the intensity of anger, or (2) limiting rumination on anger experiences. The present study tests two hypotheses: First, that both trait and state mindfulness contribute unique variance to lower aggressiveness, and second, that the impact of both trait and state mindfulness on aggressiveness will be uniquely partially mediated by both anger intensity and anger rumination. 86 participants completed trait measures of mindfulness, anger intensity, and anger rumination, then completed diaries for 35 days assessing mindfulness, anger intensity, anger rumination, anger expression, and self-reported and behavioral aggressiveness. Using multilevel zero-inflated regression, we examined unique contributions of trait and state mindfulness facets to daily anger expression and aggressiveness. We also examined the mediating roles of anger intensity and anger rumination at both trait and state levels. Mindfulness facets predicted anger expression and aggressiveness indirectly through anger rumination after controlling for indirect pathways through anger intensity. Individuals with high or fluctuating aggression may benefit from mindfulness training to reduce both intensity of and rumination on anger.

Keywords: Aggression; Anger; Anger Expression; Anger Rumination; Mindfulness.

Figures

Fig. 1. Depiction of Significant Within-Person Effects (from Multilevel Zero-Inflated Poisson Models) of FFMQ Mindfulness Facets on Daily Aggressiveness via Anger Intensity and Anger Rumination

Figure 1 Note. “(z)” refers to significant zeromodel effects. For the zero-inflated estimates, positive estimates indicate higher values of the outcome, and negative estimates indicate lower values of the outcome.

Fig. 2. Depiction of Significant Between-Person Effects (from Multilevel Zero-Inflated Poisson Models) of FFMQ Mindfulness Facets on Trait (Average) Aggressiveness via Anger Intensity and Anger Rumination

Figure 2 Note. “(z)” refers to significant zeromodel effects. For the zero-inflated estimates, positive estimates indicate higher values of the outcome, and negative estimates indicate lower values of the outcome.