The Impact of Trait Mindfulness and Mindfulness Meditation Practice on Wellbeing, Emotion Regulation, and Heart Rate Variability

This thesis investigated links between trait mindfulness, mindfulness meditation practice and several indices of well-being, as well as emotion-regulation capacity and changes in high frequency (HF) and low frequency (HF) heart rate variability (HRV). The thesis consists of six chapters; a literature review, four empirical studies and a general discussion. We examined associations of trait mindfulness with - and effects of a 10-day mindfulness meditation (Vipassana) retreat on - wellbeing, HRV (at rest, and during meditation and emotion regulation), and emotional reactivity using a well-known emotion regulation paradigm (reappraisal vs. free-viewing of affective pictures), as well as differences between novice and experienced meditators. Trait mindfulness and meditation were associated with benefits for several measures of wellbeing and psychological symptoms. Meditation practice was associated with changes in HRV during meditation (but not at rest) during some but not all studies. Reappraisal reduced emotional reactivity, but did not increase HRV. Trait mindfulness was associated with more positive ratings of positive images, but not better emotion reappraisal, although more mindful participants did have greater HRV during reappraisal for negative images. Mindfulness practice was associated with reduced emotional reactivity, but not better emotion reappraisal. Meditation was not associated with greater HRV during emotion induction or emotion reappraisal, although experienced meditators had greater LF HRV while viewing negative (compared to positive) images. As a whole, the thesis found improvements in wellbeing associated with trait mindfulness and with mindfulness meditation practice, as well as reductions in emotional reactivity, but not better emotion reappraisal. There were no consistent changes in baseline HRV or HRV during meditation or emotion induction. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and directions for future research provided