Not all mindfulness is equal: certain facets of mindfulness have important implications for well-being and mental health across the lifespan

This study used a person-centered approach to identify mindfulness profiles in a large Canadian lifespan sample (ages 14–90) and investigated how these profiles related to age, well-being, and mental health. Five profiles emerged: high mindfulness, moderate mindfulness, low mindfulness, nonjudgmentally aware, and judgmentally observing. High mindfulness and nonjudgmentally aware profiles were associated with older age, better mental health, and higher well-being. Conversely, low mindfulness and judgmentally observing profiles were associated with younger age and poorer mental health. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of mindfulness and have implications for mindfulness-based interventions.

Nathaniel J. Johnson, Ryan J. Smith, Hali Kil