The mediational role of interoceptive awareness on the improvements of mindfulness skills of workers

Abstract

Abstract Background: Mindfulness training has been introduced in numerous health care programs and also in work settings with promising results. One main point in intervention studies of mindfulness is the evaluation of the mechanisms of action that explains how and why mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) works. The present study aims to assess the mediational role of interoceptive consciousness on the improvements of mindfulness skills. Methods: Seventy-four adults between 23 and 64 years of age participated in the study. We carried out one effectiveness analysis comparing the means of Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness scale, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale scores in the two conditions (pretest – posttest). Subsequently, within-subjects effect sizes (pre-to-post-treatment) were calculated and we conducted multiple mediation analyses to examine whether the changes between pre and post-treatment of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire scores were mediated by changes of interoception awareness. Results: The results indicate that the mindfulness-based intervention generates statistically significant changes in the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale scores and in all the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire dimensions, with the exception of the Describe and Not Reaction subscales. The mediation analyses showed that interoceptive awareness significantly mediated the improvements of mindfulness skills after the program. Conclusions: Findings support the idea that meditation practice leads to increase in interoception awareness, which in turn facilitates mindfulness skills and consequently well-being.