Impact of Trait Mindfulness on Depression among Clinical and Non-Clinical groups of Indian Adults

Mindfulness as psychological construct has been studied since long in relation to different mental health variables with  different  dimensions.  Present  study  investigates  the  differences  between  clinical  and  non-clinical  samples  their trait mindfulness and its relationship with depression. A sample of 200 depressive patients and 200 normal adults drawn from  various psychiatric hospitals were tested  on Back Depression Inventory-II  (BDI-II)  and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Comparison of these two groups revealed non-clinical sample scored higher than  clinical  on  three  facets  of  mindfulness (i.e.,  act  with awareness,  non-judgmental  & non-reactive)  and  the  global mindfulness score.  Depression in  clinical  group  was strongly  predicted  by  mindfulness (R=0.557  p<.001)  and significantly  but  slightly  lower  in  non-clinical  group  (R=0.46  p<.001).  Hence,  it  is  concluded  that  mindfulness plays vital  role  in  the  control  of  depression  in  non-clinical  group.