The Role of the Big Five Personality Factors in Mindfulness

Abstract

Mindfulness is defined as paying attention ability on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. The purpose of this study was to study the relationship between mindfulness and big five factors of personality. In a correlational study, 304 (135 male and 169 female) student of Shahid Beheshti Universitiy were selected by convenient sampling method. Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the short form of NEO questionnaire (NEO-FFI) were used as the research tools. Data were analyzed through Pearson correlation and stepwise regressions. The results of Pearson correlation showed that mindfulness is positively correlated with extraversion, openness and conscientiousness and negatively correlated with neuroticisms (P<0.001). The results of stepwise regressions indicated predictive role of neuroticism, openness, extraversion, and conscientiousness factors in mindfulness ability of participants. According to the results of present study, these four factors of personality are significant predictors of mindfulness ability of participants. The results of this study were discussed toward the better understanding of mindfulness construct.

Keywords

• big five factors of personality
• mindfulness