Vermont, USA — A recent study by researchers at the University of Vermont’s Department of Psychology explored possible links between anxiety and mindfulness skills.
The study looked at 154 young adults in their early 20’s. Researchers found a significant association between certain mindfulness skills and high levels of negative affectivity (neuroticism) and anxiety sensitivity.
When a person lacks mindfulness skills, it can lead to impulsive unwanted behaviors, avoidance, and a general feeling of dissatisfaction. People dealing with anxiety often “act out” to avoid their anxious feelings, abusing drugs or alcohol, overspending, overeating or undereating, or participating in any number of other negative coping behaviors because they lack awareness of what they are feeling or the ability to sit with the anxious feelings in the moment. Clearly, this can lead to negative outcomes.