Abstract
Background: College student interpersonal sensitivity has received increased attention in recent years, and trait mindfulness has been found to be a protective factor in interpersonal relationships. However, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relation. The aim of this study was to investigate (a) the mediating role of negative emotions in the association between trait mindfulness and interpersonal sensitivity, and (b) the moderating role of the effectiveness/authenticity in the indirect relationship between trait mindfulness and college student interpersonal sensitivity. Methods: This model was examined with 1419 Chinese college students (mean age=18.38 years, SD= 0.86); the participants completed measurements regarding trait mindfulness, negative emotions, the effectiveness/authenticity, and interpersonal sensitivity. Results: The correlation analyses indicated that trait mindfulness was significantly negatively associated with college student interpersonal sensitivity, and the effectiveness/authenticity was significantly negatively associated with college student interpersonal sensitivity. Mediation analyses revealed that negative emotions partially mediated the link between trait mindfulness and interpersonal sensitivity. Moderated mediation further indicated that the relationship between trait mindfulness and negative emotions was more significant for college students with high level of effectiveness/authenticity; the relationship between negative emotions and interpersonal sensitivity was more significant for college students with low level of effectiveness/authenticity.Conclusion: Mindfulness training may help reduce interpersonal sensitivity in college students. When college students have strong effectiveness/authenticity, lower negative emotions may be a protective factor to prevent interpersonal sensitivity.
Trait Mindfulness and College Student Interpersonal Sensitivity: The Mediating Role of Negative Emotions and the Moderating Role of Effectiveness/Authenticity
