The relationship between dispositional mindfulness and conditional goal setting in depressed patients.
Crane C., Barnhofer T., Hargus E., Amarasinghe M., Winder R.
OBJECTIVES: This study explored the association between conditional goal setting (CGS; the tendency to view the achievement of high order goals for the self as conditional upon the achievement of lower order goals) and dispositional mindfulness. DESIGN/METHODS: CGS and dispositional mindfulness were assessed in 31 depressed patients in a cross-sectional design. RESULTS: A significant association was identified between increased dispositional mindfulness and reduced CGS, which remained after controlling for severity of depressed mood. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that treatment interventions that increase levels of mindful awareness may have the capacity to reduce CGS in depressed patients.