Intervention-induced changes in state mindfulness do not predict trait changes in mindfulness, self-compassion, or perceived stress.
Scientific reports November 21, 2025 Kira S A Borgdorf, Gabriela Küchler, Cornelia Wrzus et al. 1 citation
A socioemotional training program that did not mention mindfulness increased weekly state mindfulness and improved trait mindfulness, self-compassion, and perceived stress in 166 healthy German adults, with effect sizes ranging from 0.38 to 0.62. However, increases in state mindfulness did not predict changes in those trait measures, suggesting that simply experiencing more mindful states during training is not enough to drive lasting trait changes. The way an intervention is framed may be important for helping people connect momentary experiences to stable personality shifts.