Bidirectional Relationships Between Dispositional Mindfulness, Looming Maladaptive Style, and Social Anxiety in Youth

While there is substantial evidence supporting the protective role of dispositional mindfulness against various anxiety disorders, its role in social anxiety (SA) is less well established. Some studies have associated negativity biases—related to the ooming maladaptive style—with mindfulness and SA. However, examining the interrelationships between these variables remains a clear challenge in literature. The objective of this study was to examine the predictive reciprocal relationships between mindfulness, SA, and looming.

A total of 575 vocational training students (M_age = 19.50, SD = 2.42) participated in a two-wave longitudinal study. SA, Looming, and three of five facets of mindfulness (Non-reactivity, Non-judging, and Acting with Awareness) were assessed. Statistical analyses included cross-lagged panel models to evaluate the directionality and strength of relationships between these variables over time.

The findings indicated that higher levels of SA predicted increased Looming and decreased levels of the three mindfulness facets. Additionally, a bidirectional relationship was observed between Looming and Non-reactivity, suggesting that these variables influence each other over time. Finally, no gender differences were found in the relationships between variables.

The findings suggest that higher levels of SA predicted lower levels of the three facets of mindfulness and highest levels of Looming. Additionally, according to the theoretical expectations, the study supports the bidirectional relationship between Non-reactivity and Looming.