Is coastal living positively associated with increased trait mindfulness?

Abstract

Trait mindfulness, defined as an active and enhanced attention to the present moment, has been associated with a wide range of beneficial aspects of functioning, as has seacoast living. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between trait mindfulness and seacoast living, and I hypothesized that seacoast living is positively associated with trait mindfulness and that the relation between seacoast living and trait mindfulness is partially mediated by individuals' level of awe. Samples from urban and seacoast residential settings were surveyed twice one month apart, and participants levels of mindfulness (MAAS), awe (DPEA) and stress (PSS 14) were compared. Results demonstrated that at time one the seacoast sample had more contact with the seacoast, higher levels of mindfulness, and awe, and lower levels of stress than at time two, and at both times the seacoast sample had higher levels of mindfulness and lower levels of stress than the urban sample, although such differences between samples were not significant. Additionally, among the seacoast group the positive association between contact with the seacoast and mindfulness was partially mediated by their level of awe. These findings suggest that seacoast living is associated with increased mindfulness, and that deliberate trainings are not the only experiences associated with increased trait mindfulness and with increases among all the beneficial aspects of functioning associated with mindfulness. Keywords: mindfulness, seacoast living, awe, stress