Culture / Ethnicity / Race
Mariany A. Gainza Perez, B.S.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Miguel A. Garcia, B.A.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Kevin Sandoval Medina, B.A.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Gabriel Tarango, B.A.
Research Assistant
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Lydia Granados, None
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Theodore V. Cooper, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Core beliefs (i.e., broad, inflexible cognitive patterns about oneself or others) are a central tenet of the cognitive-behavioral model (Beck, 2021) which proposes the interconnection between dysfunctional cognitions, negative affect, and maladaptive behavior. Studies (e.g., Thimm, 2017) have begun to examine the protective role of dispositional mindfulness, or the innate tendency to focus on the present moment in informal contexts (Brown & Ryan, 2003), on dysfunctional core beliefs. However, few have done so in Latinx samples and none seem to have investigated how dispositional mindfulness relates to functional core beliefs. Thus, the current study sought to assess the influence of dispositional mindfulness qualities on functional and dysfunctional core beliefs among Latinx undergraduates.
Latinx undergraduates (n=386) from a Hispanic Serving Institution (Mage= 21.42 years, SD = 5.41; 80.3% female) were recruited via SONA, a web-based recruitment system. After signing an electronic consent form, participants completed the following measures: demographics, mindfulness practice measure, Brief Core Schema Scale, and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Four linear regression models assessed the relationships between core schema subscales as the dependent variables and mindfulness facets as the independent variables. Each model controlled for age, sex, and whether participants currently practiced mindfulness-related activities.
Over half (56.7%) of participants reported currently engaging in mindfulness-related activities, the most common of which were informal mindfulness (38.9%) and devotional/spiritual meditation (35.5%). Fewer dysfunctional core beliefs of self were associated with being male (β = -0.992, p< .001) and greater Describe (β = -.762, p = .011), Nonjudging (β = -1.610, p< .001), and Nonreactivity facets (β = -.673, p = .035). Increased functional core beliefs of self were associated with being female (β = -1.708, p < .001) and greater Describe (β = 2.084, p < .001), Nonjudging (β = 2.261 p < .001), and Nonreactivity facets (β = 1.213, p = .020). Fewer dysfunctional core beliefs of others were associated with being male (β = -1.964, p =.021) and greater Nonjudging (β = -2.265, p < .001). Greater functional core beliefs of others were associated with greater Awareness (β = 1.196, p = .011), Nonreactivity (β = 1.732, p = .002), and current practice of a mindfulness-related activity (β = 1.405, p = .039).
Findings suggest that higher levels of dispositional mindfulness qualities, particularly nonjudgment and nonreactivity, related to reductions in dysfunctional core beliefs and enhancement of functional core beliefs among Latinx undergraduates. The observed relationships may be of particular importance for adapting and implementing mindfulness-based CBT approaches in Latinx samples. Indeed, the frequencies of mindfulness-related practices reported in the current study and in a past study on Latinx adults (Vinci et al., 2020) indicate that this construct may not conflict with existing cultural values and beliefs. Future studies should investigate cultural adaptations of mindfulness-based CBT techniques that assess and emphasize the informal mindfulness practices individuals may already be engaging in.