Fostering intergenerational understanding: roles of intrapersonal and interpersonal mindfulness in communication
摘要
Population aging and declining birth rates have underscored the growing importance of intergenerational communication. This study employed a matched pairs experimental design to explore how intrapersonal (present-focused, non-judgmental attitude) and interpersonal (awareness of verbal and nonverbal cues in communication) mindfulness differently impact intergenerational communication quality. Forty-four Taiwanese intergenerational dyads engaged in three communication scenarios, and their communication satisfaction was assessed from emotional, cognitive, and behavioral perspectives based on the Interpersonal Chemistry Model. Results from the multilevel regression model showed that both intrapersonal and interpersonal mindfulness increased positive emotion and reduced stress (emotion), fostered more empathy, led to higher levels of communication satisfaction, facilitated closer psychological distance (cognition), and helped to reach a higher consensus on controversial topics (behavior). Compared to intrapersonal mindfulness, interpersonal mindfulness promoted more aspects of communication, including reducing negative emotion and accelerating cooperation speed. Results based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model indicated that both intrapersonal and interpersonal mindfulness had a broader enhancing effect on communication quality for older adults compared to younger adults. This study highlights the significant role of mindfulness in intergenerational communication and suggests that the design of future communication tools should incorporate elements of mindfulness.