Mentor
Darren Ritzer, Ph.D.
Major
Psychology; Child and Family Studies
Abstract
Racial minority populations in the United States have increased in the past decade. The purpose of this study was to examine how mindfulness and other coping methods affect stress levels among a diverse population. One hundred-thirty-two participants took an online or paper survey including a General Health Questionnaire, Psychological well-being and physical health symptoms, and a Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Results show African Americans report more religious and overall mindfulness coping, and Hispanics report lower levels of wellbeing and lower active coping including mindfulness. There was a positive correlation between mindfulness and well-being and a negative correlation between mindfulness and maladaptive coping. Hispanics have lower psychological well-being reports than African Americans and Caucasians. Since mindfulness was linked to psychologically well-being, it is likely that adults were using it as a strategy to counteract avoidant and maladaptive coping skills. These findings extend our understanding of mindfulness to previously overlooked minorities.
Recommended Citation
Peña, Lesley and Ritzer, Darren
(2017)
"Mindfulness, Coping, and Psychological Well-being Among Diverse Populations,"
The Winthrop McNair Research Bulletin: Vol. 3, Article 8.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/wmrb/vol3/iss1/8
