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4. Discussion Discussion In this section, the findings of the present thesis are summarized and briefly interpreted. Then, content-related problems as well as methodological limitations are presented in alignment with their theoretical implications. Finally, practical implications are highlighted. This bachelor thesis focussed on mindfulness as a quality of consciousness according to Brown & Ryan (2003) and its relation to contextual performance and well-being at work. Based on the reviewed literature, I propose three hypotheses. Firstly, mindfulness is positively associated with helping and cooperating with others, mediated by empathy. Secondly, mindfulness has a negative relationship to strain, and thirdly, mindfulness is positively associated with work engagement. These propositions have three implications: a) mindfulness plays a crucial role beyond task-orientated work-behavior b) mindfulness is associated with the attenuation of detrimental effects of work stressors and moreover c) mindfulness is related to positive and fulfilling work-related states of mind. Thus, this thesis contributes to research in the field of work and organizational psychology by highlighting mindfulness as an important variable in the work context: So far, mindfulness has rarely been investigated regarding work- related concepts or directly within the work context (cf. Dane, 2010; cf. Shao & Skarlicki, 2009). Hence, many studies cited in this thesis were conducted in different contexts such that the results had to be transferred to the work area. 4.1 The Nature of Mindfulness There are many different definitions and conceptualizations of mindfulness (Brown et al., 2007a) based on different theoretical and practical backgrounds. Until today, there is no consensus on a unique definition. An attempt by Bishop et al. (2004) to create a global operational definition of mindfulness did not succeed (cf. Bischop et al., 2004; cf. Brown et al., 2004a). In alignment with the diversity of definitions is the heterogeneity of mindfulness measures. Currently, there are seven trait mindfulness scales. This raises question about the
comparability and generalization of results. Although overlaps between the MAAS and other measures are highlighted in this thesis, basically, different scales do cover different conceptualizations. Thus, there are two important implications for further research: firstly, to reach consensus about a unique definition and, secondly, the development and application of a uniform measure to guarantee the comparability of results and, in particular, to make Discussion statements about causality in the long-term. A good candidate is the definition of mindfulness as “enhanced attention to and awareness of current experience or present reality” (Brown & Ryan, 2003, p. 822). By highlighting the nature of mindfulness as a quality of consciousness (Brown et al., 2007a), the definition of Brown and Ryan is independent of any belief system, specific therapeutic interventions, or particular practice (Brown & Ryan, 2003; Brown & Ryan, 2004a). Thus, it overlaps with all existing definitions, and a comparison of existing trait mindfulness measurements supports a global factor structure. In this broad sense, this definition can be applied to a variety of contexts (Brown & Ryan, 2003). Still, it might be questionable whether this definition is applicable to all clinical contexts and further research is necessary to target the validation of the MAAS for diverse clinical populations. With regard to the work context, the rather neutral definition by Brown & Ryan seems to be accurate. Concerning the application of a uniform measure, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) from Baer et al. (2006) is a good candidate, because it follows internal scale construction. However, it has only been validated with student samples and further studies should target its validation in the work context. In contrast, the MAAS has been validated in the general, employed population (cf. Brown & Ryan, 2003) and thus should be considered as a uniform measure in the work area. 4.2 Methodological Approaches The utilization of mindfulness measures is a methodological issue that should be considered by the interpretation of the presented results: Mindfulness is inherently defined as a state, according to Brown and Ryan (2003). However, state scales are underrepresented in general and moreover, those that exist are barely applied (Brown & Cordon, 2009). For instance, there is only one study in which Brown and Ryan themselves use their state MAAS (cf. Brown & Ryan, 2003). Thus, most results of this thesis refer to measured trait mindfulness.
Page 1 and 2: Mindfulness at Work and Its Relatio
Page 3 and 4: Acknowledgements First of all, I wo
Page 5 and 6: Acknowledgements Note Abstract Cont
Page 7 and 8: 1. Introduction Introduction Recent
Page 9: 3. Hypotheses The following section
Page 13 and 14: Discussion work engagement concept
Page 15 and 16: References Aboa-Éboulé, C., Briss
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