Hope trumps mindfulness in stressful situations, according to a new study, which analysed the unique circumstances presented by the COVID pandemic.
Researchers in the United States found hope was more beneficial than mindfulness at helping people manage stress and stay professionally engaged during periods of prolonged stress at work.
North Carolina State University Professor Tom Zagenczyk said the study underscored the importance of looking ahead, rather than living “in the moment”, during hard times.
Professor Zagenczyk said mindfulness referred to the ability of an individual to focus attention on the present, in a way that was open, curious and not judgmental.
“Essentially, the ability to be fully in the moment,” he said.
“There’s a lot of discussion about the benefits of mindfulness, but it poses two challenges when you’re going through periods of stress.
“First, it’s hard to be mindful when you’re experiencing stress. Second, if it’s a truly difficult time, you don’t necessarily want to dwell too much on the experience you’re going through.”
Professor Zagenczyk said because hope was inherently forward looking, while mindfulness was about appreciating current circumstances, researchers wanted to see how each of these two mindsets influenced people’s well-being and professional attitudes during difficult times.
“The COVID pandemic presented us with an unfortunate, but useful, opportunity to explore this topic. And we chose to focus on the performing arts since that sector was particularly hard hit by the pandemic.”
He said researchers surveyed 247 professional musicians, then used statistical techniques to identify relationships between hope, mindfulness and outcomes related to their personal well-being and attitudes toward work.
Study co-author Professor Kristin Scott the findings showed hope was associated with people being happy and mindfulness were not.
“And when people are hopeful – and happy – they experience less distress, are more engaged with their work, and feel less tension related to their professional lives,” Professor Scott said.
