Self-Talk and Mindfulness: A Correlational Analysis

Abstract

This research explores the relationships between mindfulness, self-talk frequency, self-compassion, and experience with mindful practice. Participants (N = 147) were recruited through Middle Tennessee State University’s Psychology research pool, as well as via social media posting. The participants completed the 15-Item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15), Trait Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS-T), Self-Talk Scale (STS), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire – Revised (ATQ-R). The results showed moderate positive correlations between (1) positive self-talk and trait mindfulness and (2) positive self-talk and self-compassion. A significant negative correlation also emerged between negative self-talk and trait mindfulness. Moderation analyses indicated no moderating effects of mindfulness experience on self-talk or self-compassion in predicting trait mindfulness. Implications for the significance of the relationship between self-talk and mindfulness are discussed in relation to effective implementation in future treatment methodologies.