The Impact of a Mindfulness Intervention on Goal Commitment

The Impact of a Mindfulness Intervention on Goal Commitment | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The Impact of a Mindfulness Intervention on Goal Commitment Christopher Squadrito, Nicola Schutte This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8273950/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Goal commitment, the determination to reach a goal and persistence in pursuing the goal, predicts performance and well-being. Because mindfulness cultivates present-focused, nonjudgmental attention that can clarify values, reduce distractibility, and elevate positive affect, it may plausibly increase goal commitment. This study tested whether a short mindfulness exercise boosts goal commitment relative to a neutral control exercise. One hundred twenty adults (mean age = 39.82, 57% female) participated in the study. Participants identified a self-selected personal goal and then completed either a guided breath mindfulness exercise coupled with goal reflection intervention or a neutral control writing task. Goal commitment and affect were measured pre- and post-task participation; state mindfulness was assessed post-task participation. A multivariate test indicated a significant overall effect of condition, Pillai’s Trace = F(4, 115) = 8.457, p < .001, V = .227. Univariate analyses showed higher post-test goal commitment,, F (1, 118) = 18.097, p < .001, ηp² = .133; state mindfulness, F (1, 118) = 18.647, p < .001, ηp² = .136; and positive affect, F (1, 118) = 12.228, p < .001, ηp² = .094, among the mindfulness condition participants than control condition participants, and no significant difference in negative affect. Experienced mindfulness and positive affect mediated the impact of the intervention on goal commitment. The findings suggest that a brief, mindfulness activity can increase commitment to a self-selected goal, alongside gains in mindfulness and positive affect, and these findings may inform strategies to enhance motivation and self-regulation related to goals in educational, clinical, and workplace settings. Goal Commitment Intervention Mindfulness Negative Affect Positive Affect Introduction The ability to maintain commitment to goals is central to successful goal pursuit and psychological well-being (Disabato et al., 2018 ; Duckworth et al., 2019 ; Kappes et al., 2023 ; Klein et al., 2014 ). Goal commitment, the determination to achieve a goal and persistence in pursuing the goal over time, consistently predicts effort and performance across diverse domains including education, health, and occupational achievement (Brandstätter & Bernecker, 2021 ; Hollenbeck et al., 1989 ; Koestner et al., 2002 ; Moshontz & Hoyle, 2020 ). In workplace contexts, employees with strong commitment maintain higher productivity and performance under stress (Sungu et al., 2020 ). In clinical contexts, adolescents with substance use problems who are strongly committed to abstinence goals show better treatment adherence and lower relapse rates (Kaminer et al., 2018 ). In sport, athletes with higher commitment persist longer despite setbacks, display greater resilience, and are less prone to burnout than those with weaker commitment (Wu et al., 2024 ). Beyond performance outcomes, commitment also underpins broader indicators of flourishing such as satisfaction, resilience, and meaning in life - likely because commitment sustains goal-directed action and progress on valued aims (Diener et al., 1999 ; Klug & Maier, 2014 ; Locke & Latham, 1991 ; Smythe et al., 2020). This link between commitment, effective goal behaviour, and well-being reflects what Klein and colleagues termed a volitional bond: the self-endorsed attachment to a valued goal that carries strong dedication and a felt responsibility for attainment (Klein et al., 2012 ). Goal-Setting Theory (GST) clarifies the functional role of commitment in the context of different aspects of goal-related functioning: specific, challenging goals improve personal performance and well-being by directing behaviour, regulating effort, and sustaining persistence – but only to the extent that commitment is high (Hollenbeck & Klein, 1987 , 1999; Locke & Latham, 1990 , 2002 , 2015 ; Tammemagi et al., 2013 ). Despite its importance, goal commitment is often fragile (Fruend & Riediger, 2004 ; Klein & Wright, 1994 ; Schüler & Brandstätter, 2013 ). Strengthening goal commitment has value in facilitating beneficial goal-related functioning. Facilitating goal commitment Commitment (and the volitional bond it reflects) rests largely on three appraisals: the individual’s assessment of a goal’s importance, belief that the goal attainable (self-efficacy related to achieving the goal), and the quality of motivation that energises pursuit (Locke & Latham, 2002 ; Ryan & Deci, 2020 ; Wolf et al., 2018; Wright et al., 2012 ). These appraisals are highly malleable and context-sensitive; when they weaken - either at goal adoption or during striving - commitment erodes (Deci & Ryan, 2000 ; Ecker, 2024 ; Klein et al., 2012 ; Oettingen et al., 2001 ). During goal adoption and during goal striving, affective state is particularly pivotal because it shapes attention and regulation in ways that can either fortify or undermine these appraisals (Eysenck et al., 2007 ; Fruend & Riediger, 2004 ; Hopfner & Keith, 2021 ; Strick & Papies, 2017 ). During goal setting and stiving, individuals must decide what goal to pursue and how strongly to endorse it (Klein et al., 2012 ). Attentional focus, how tightly and where attention is directed, influences these goal-related (Locke and Latham, 2002 ). Negative affect can narrow attention toward threat, bias risk-averse choices, and promote avoidance and disengagement (Brandstatter & Bernecker, 2022; Eysenck et al., 2007 ; Hofmann & Gómez, 2018 ; Moberly & Watkins, 2010 ). By contrast, positive affect supports stronger top-down control and broader appraisal, fostering cognitive flexibility that helps people sustain focus, update working goals, and resist interference by threat-related cues (Isen, 2000; Hofmann et al., 2012 ; Kotabe & Hofmann, 2015 ; Fredrickson, 2001 Paul et al., 2021 ; Rowe et al., 2007 ). This wider attentional set may result in stronger goal commitment. Goals aligned with autonomous motives typically elicit stronger commitment (Deci & Ryan, 2020 ). Self-Determination Theory proposes that such goals are experienced as self-endorsed and thus more meaningful (, Ryan & Deci, 2020 ). Once selected, autonomous goals are pursued more persistently and with less burnout across education, sport, and health (Alberts et al., 2024; Patall et al., 2008 ; Rodrigues et al., 2020 ). The consequences of diminished goal commitment are wide-ranging. In organizations, weak commitment predicts lower productivity, reduced job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates (Sungu et al., 2020 ). In education, diminished goal commitment predicts lower grades and elevated dropout risk (Tang et al., 2021). In clinical contexts, diminished goal commitment predicts poorer adherence and outcomes (Bailey, 2017 ; Kaminer et al., 2018 ). These consequences underscore the need for approaches that can strengthen goal commitment. Mindfulness as a Potential Pathway to Goal Commitment Emerging evidence suggests that mindfulness, the practice of cultivating nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment (Kabat-Zinn, 1994), may support the foundations of goal commitment. Measured as either a disposition or a momentary state, mindfulness is linked to stronger attentional control, better emotion regulation, and closer alignment with personal values (Brown & Ryan, 2003 ; Creswell et al., 2014 ), as well as reduced procrastination and avoidance (Schutte & Pozo de Bolger, 2020; Sirois & Tosti, 2012 ), greater persistence in demanding cognitive tasks (Mrazek et al., 2013 ), and more self-determined motivation (Donald et al., 2019 ). These capacities relate to the appraisals that underpin the possible bond between mindfulness and goal commitment. Central to mindfulness’ effects is attentional control - the capacity to return attention to a chosen anchor rather than being pulled into rumination or threat-based thoughts (Tang et al., 2015 ). This moment-to-moment awareness spans both inner (thoughts, feelings, bodily signals) and outer (sounds, people, context) cues (Brown & Ryan, 2003 ; Kabat-Zinn, 2003 ), which increases the chance that decisions draw on a fuller, less biased information set (Brown et al., 2007 ). Neurobiological evidence is consistent with this account: brief mindfulness training is linked to stronger engagement of control/salience networks and reduced default-mode activity implicated in self-referential rumination (Brewer et al., 2011 ; Hölzel et al., 2011 ; Tang et al., 2015 ; Taren et al., 2015 ). Because goal commitment translates difficulty/specificity into direction, effort and persistence (Locke & Latham, 2002 , 2015 ), and because shielding a chosen goal from distraction relies on executive control (Goschke & Bolte, 2014 ; Shah et al., 2002 ) gains in monitoring and control offer a plausible route by which mindfulness may strengthen the volitional bond. At goal adoption, sharper monitoring and less rumination should support a clearer appraisal of a goal’s importance and attainability, while during goal pursuit, the same control processes can support re-endorsement and protection from interference (Hafenbrack, 2017 ; Moore & Malinowski, 2009 ; Mrazek et al., 2013 ; Shapiro et al., 2006 ). Mindfulness also targets the affective mechanisms that can erode commitment (Hofmann & Gómez, 2017; Shapiro et al., 2006 ). Adopting a nonjudgmental stance allows anxious thoughts and sensations to be noticed and labelled without elaboration, reducing their disruptive pull (Creswell & Lindsay, 2017 ; Goldin & Gross, 2010 ). Moreover, the process of decentering, perceiving thoughts and feelings as transient mental events rather than accurate self-descriptions, helps reframe setbacks as temporary problems ( for example, “this went poorly today”) rather than global self-judgments (for example, “I am inadequate”), thereby protecting self-efficacy appraisals and enabling adaptive strategy shifts (Fresco et al., 2007 ; Hölzel et al., 2011 ). Evidence that mindfulness reduces negative affect while elevating positive affect is strong overall (Goldberg et al., 2018 ; Goyal et al., 2014 ; Khoury et al., 2015 )As rumination subsides and positive states increase, goals appear more attainable and the self more capable (Hanley et al., 2015). At goal setting, this pattern favours the endorsement of challenging objectives; during pursuit, reduced reactivity makes derailment less likely and avoidance less tempting (Hayes et al., 2006; Khoury et al., 2015 ). Meta-analyses indicate that even brief mindfulness practice can reduce negative affect and elevate positive affect and resilience (Goyal et al., 2014 ; Khoury et al., 2015 ; Kang et al., 2023; Lahtinen et al., 2021 ), changes that should support attentional control, expectancy (self-efficacy), and value appraisals (Fredrickson, 2001 ; Hanley et al., 2015; Isen, 2000). Finally, mindfulness appears to shape motivational quality. Mindfulness-to-Meaning Theory proposes that mindful practice facilitates active reappraisal and broadened awareness, heightening perceived meaning and, in turn, motivational pull (Donald et al., 2019 ; Garland et al., 2015 ). More generally, by sharpening awareness of one’s internal values, mindfulness can promote the selection of self-concordant goals aligned with needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness (Brown & Ryan, 2003 ; Carmody et al., 2009 ; Ryan & Deci, 2020 ). Such goals reliably predict stronger initial commitment and more durable persistence than externally driven aims (Donald et al., 2019 ). Converging experiments show that even relatively short inductions can increase self-determined motivation and steer people toward goals more congruent with implicit motives (Oberleiter et al., 2022 ; Strick & Papies, 2017 ). At adoption, this implies stronger endorsement of goals that feel authentically one’s own; during pursuit, the same value-congruence can buffer dips in engagement and reduce action crises (Kappes et al., 2023 ; Marion-Jetten et al., 2021 ; Neff & Germer, 2013 ). The present study The direct impact of mindfulness practice on goal commitment - particularly during goal setting - remains underexamined. Because high levels of commitment are essential to converting intention into effort, achievement and well-being, testing whether a brief mindful pause can strengthen goal commitment is both theoretically and practically consequential. The present study set out to examine whether a short mindfulness exercise, completed while contemplating an autonomously self-selected goal, increases goal commitment relative to a neutral control and what factors might be related to greater goal commitment. Participants were randomly assigned to either a five-minute guided breath-focus with nonjudgmental goal reflection, or a neutral writing task describing the previous day. Goal commitment and affect were measured pre- and post-intervention; state mindfulness was assessed post-intervention. We predicted that, compared with a control condition, the mindfulness practice condition would result in higher post-intervention goal commitment (H1), higher state mindfulness (H2), higher positive affect (H3), and lower negative affect (H4). We expected that mindfulness and affect influenced by the intervention might be factors connecting the intervention to goal commitment (H5). Method Participants Participants were recruited in Australia via social media (Facebook, Reddit), professional contacts, and a university research participation opportunity announcement. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The sample comprised 120 participants, with a mean age of 39.82, SD = 13.63, and 57% female participants. Materials Goal commitment Commitment to a self-selected goal was assessed pre- and post-intervention with a 7-item Goal Commitment Scale drawing from existing measures (Hollenbeck et al., 1989 ; Klein et al., 2001 ). This scale measured goal-related determination, intended effort, and persistence at that moment on a 1–5 Likert scale. A sample item is ‘I am willing to put in time and effort to achieve this goal.’ Higher scores reflect stronger commitment. Reliability in the present study was high (=α.93 at pre and α = .93 at post). Positive and Negative affect Positive and negative affect at the state level were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the PANAS (Watson et al., 1988 ). Each subscale comprises 10 one word affect descriptors, such as ‘inspired’ for positive affect and ‘distressed’ for negative affect rated 1 (“very slightly or not at all”) to 5 (“extremely”).Previous research has found the subscales to have validity and good reliability when used to assess affect at the state level (Watson et al., 1988 ). (. Internal consistencies in the present study were high (αs ≥ .90) at each time point. State Mindfulness A brief 4-item state-mindfulness scale based on the longer Toronto Mindfulness Scale (Lau et al., 2006 ), was administered post-intervention, with items such as ‘I was aware of my thoughts and feelings without over-identifying with them’ on a 1–5 scale. Previous research has found the scale to have validity and good reliability (Lau et al., 2006 ). In the present study the measure showed good internal consistency at α = .74. Procedure The study was approved by the institution’s Research Ethics Committee. After providing informed consent, participants completed all procedures online in the Qualtrics research platform. Participants completed baseline measures of affect PANAS (PA-pre/NA-pre). Next, they identified a personally meaningful autonomous goal they hoped to achieve in the next 1–3 years and completed GCS-pre. Participants were then randomly assigned via Qualtrics’ built-in randomizer to either the Mindfulness Condition : a 5-minute audio-guided breathing meditation 1 emphasizing breath awareness and present-moment attention, during nonjudgmental reflection on the self-selected goal, or Control Condition : a 5-minute neutral writing task describing the previous day’s activities, with no mindfulness or motivation content. Fifty-eight participants completed the control condition and 62 completed the mindfulness condition. Immediately after completing the respective activities comprising the conditions, participants completed post-test measures: the 4-item state-mindfulness measure, GCS-post, and PANAS (PA-post/NA-post). Results There were no significant differences on the pre-measures between groups (see Table 1 )/ Table 1 Pre-test measures (baseline means and SDs by condition) Measure Control M Control SD Mindfulness M Mindfulness SD Goal Commitment (pre) 4.09 0.82 4.26 0.75 Positive Affect (pre) 2.98 0.83 3.11 0.74 Negative Affect (pre) 1.86 0.73 1.84 0.71 Baseline between-group tests (Mindfulness − Control) Measure Mean Diff 95% CI for Diff t (df) p Cohen’s d Goal Commitment (pre) 0.17 [− 0.11, 0.45] 1.18 (115.20) .239 0.22 Positive Affect (pre) 0.13 [− 0.16, 0.42] 0.90 (114.25) .368 0.17 Negative Affect (pre) −0.02 [− 0.28, 0.24] −0.15 (116.94) .879 −0.03 Note. Categorical data are n (%); continuous data are M (SD). Welch tests use unequal-variances df. Mean Diff = Mindfulness − Control. Condition coding: 0 = Control, 1 = Mindfulness. MANOVA To test whether the intervention had an overall impact on the outcomes, affected the set of post-test outcomes jointly, a one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with Condition as the fixed factor and four dependent variables: goal commitment (GCS-post), state mindfulness (TMS), positive affect (PA-post), and negative affect (NA-post) was used. According to Pillai’s Trace, there was a significant multivariate effect of Condition, Pillai’s Trace = F(4, 115) = 8.457, p < .001, V = .227, indicating a medium overall difference between groups across the four outcomes. Following the significant multivariate effect, univariate ANOVAs examined the impact of the intervention for each outcome (see Table 2 ). Univariate tests (ANOVAS) ANOVA results relating to hypothesis one, that predicted participants in the mindfulness condition would report more goal commitment than those in the control condition, showed participants in the mindfulness condition reported higher post-test goal commitment than controls, F (1, 118) = 18.097, p < .001, ηp² = .133 (medium effect). On the 1–5 scale, the mean difference was 0.45, 95% CI [0.24, 0.66] (Mindfulness M = 4.65, Control M = 4.20). Hypothesis two predicted participants in the mindfulness condition would report higher state mindfulness than controls. Mindfulness was an outcome in its own right as well as serving as a manipulation check. ANOVA results showed that participants in the mindfulness intervention condition reported higher state mindfulness at post than those in the control condition, F (1, 118) = 18.647, p < .001, ηp² = .136 (medium effect). Groups differed by 0.69, 95% CI [0.38, 1.00] (Mindfulness M = 3.52, Control M = 2.83) on 1–5 scale, confirming the intervention’s effectiveness and higher state mindfulness at post in the mindfulness condition. In regard to hypothesis three (which predicted higher positive affect for those in the mindfulness condition at post-test), ANOVA results showed the mindfulness group reported higher positive affect than controls, F (1, 118) = 12.228, p < .001, ηp² = .094 (small-to-medium effect). The mean difference was 0.51, 95% CI [0.22, 0.80] (Mindfulness M = 3.33, Control M = 2.82). ANOVA results for hypothesis four (regarding lower negative affect), showed groups did not differ significantly on negative affect, F (1, 118) = 2.192, p = .141, ηp² = .018. The mean difference was − 0.09, 95% CI [-0.21, 0.03] (Mindfulness M = 1.24, Control M = 1.33). Table 2 Descriptive Statistics and ANOVA Results for Post-Test Outcomes by Condition (Mindfulness vs. Control) Measure Mindfulness Control Mean Diff 95% CI F (1, 118) η 2 M SD M SD (M-C) GCS (Goal Commitment 4.65 0.41 4.20 0.70 0.45 [0.24, 0.66] 18.097*** .133 TMS (State mindfulness) 3.52 0.95 2.83 0.77 0.69 [0.38, 1.00] 18.647*** .136 PA (Positive affect) 3.33 0.75 2.82 0.84 0.51 [0.22, 0.80] 12.228*** .094 NA (Negative affect) 1.24 0.28 1.33 0.40 -0.09 [-0.21, 0.03] 2.192 .018 Note. Values are M ( SD ). Mean Diff = Mindfulness − Control; 95% CIs quantify the difference on the original scale. ηp² = partial eta squared. Note *** p < .001. Mediation To examine whether mindfulness and affect influenced the impact of condition on goal commitment (H5) mediations in PROCESS v4.2 (Model 4; 5,000 bootstrap samples; bias-corrected 95% CIs; HC3 SEs), tested whether state mindfulness and positive affect, which univariate analyses showed were impacted by condition, were paths connecting the impact of condition on goal commitment, Following are the results of these mediation analyses: Mediation 1: Condition → Mindfulness → Goal commitment. Condition increased state mindfulness (a = .721, p < .001), and state mindfulness predicted goal commitment controlling for Condition (b = .170, p < .001). The indirect effect was significant, ab = .123, 95% CI [.053, .209]; the direct effect remained (c′ = .230, p = .0036), indicating partial mediation (≈ 35% of the total effect explained) Mediation 2: Condition → Mindfulness → Positive affect. Condition increased state mindfulness (a = .672, p < .001), which in turn predicted positive affect (b = .263, p < .001). The indirect was significant, ab = .176, 95% CI [.070, .323]; the direct effect of Condition on positive affect remained (c′ = .257, p = .036), again there was partial mediation (≈ 41% of the total effect). Mediation 3: Condition → Positive affect → Goal commitment. Condition increased positive affect (a = .420, p < .001), which predicted goal commitment (b = .172, p = .0029). The indirect was smaller but significant, ab = .072, 95% CI [.020, .141]; the direct effect remained (c′ = .276, p < .001), indicating partial mediation (≈ 21% of the effect explained). Together, these patterns suggest a pathway wherein the mindfulness intervention elevates state mindfulness and positive affect, which then partially account for higher goal commitment. Discussion The present study examined the connection between mindfulness and goal commitment. An experiment with random assignment to either a brief mindfulness exercise, during which participants contemplated a self-selected goal or completed a control activity, examined the impact of a mindfulness intervention on experienced mindfulness, goal commitment and affect. Participation in the mindfulness exercise, compared to the control activity, resulted in greater mindfulness, more goal commitment, and higher positive affect, but did not influence negative affect. Experienced mindfulness and positive affect mediated the impact of the mindfulness exercise on goal commitment. The finding that mindfulness can promote goal commitment adds to evidence regarding the benefits of mindfulness. Goal commitment is important as higher levels of goal commitment are linked to better performance and well-being (Hollenbeck & Klein, 1987 , 1999; Locke & Latham, 1990 , 2002 , 2015 ; Tammemagi et al., 2013 ). Both the finding that a brief mindfulness intervention can strengthen goal commitment and the association between a higher state of mindfulness and greater goal commitment indicate that mindfulness may facilitate goal commitment. These results add to information regarding the broad benefits of mindfulness, such as those reported by Grossman et al., 2004 ). The impact of mindfulness practice on positive affect found in the present study is consistent with findings in other studies (Badaghi et al., ( 2024 ). The mediation findings of the present study, which suggested that mindfulness practice leads to an increased mindful state, which is associated with more positive affect, which then in turn is linked to greater goal commitment, extends information regarding the role of mindfulness in connection to positive affect and resulting cascading outcomes. The findings of the present study have theoretical implications for understanding mindfulness process and provide insight into appraisals connected to goal commitment. Reflection while in a mindful state, which involves nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment (Kabat-Zinn, 1994) and decentering, which encourages perception of transient worrying thoughts and feelings as transient mental events and allows focus on more central aspects of the self (Hölzel et al., 2011 ), such as autonomous goals, may encourage intrinsic self-determined motivation and the benefits of acting on intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation results in more effort, better performance and greater well-being (Ryan & Deci, 2020 ). The processes comprising mindfulness and associated motivation integrate with the appraisals that underlie goal commitment, namely the assessment of a goal’s importance, the belief that the goal attainable, and the quality of motivation that energises pursuit (Locke & Latham, 2002 ; Ryan & Deci, 2020 ; Wolf et al., 2018; Wright et al., 2012 ). For example, non-judgement reflection on a self-selected goal without interference from worrying thoughts related to achieving the goal may help an individual focus on the goal’s importance and increase perception that the goal is attainable. This may strengthen the motivation for reaching the goal. The present study has several limitations. The sample of participants was recruited from one country, Australia. Samples from other countries and cultures may differ in their responses to a mindfulness intervention such as the one used in the present study. The mindfulness intervention used in the present study was brief an aimed to impact state-level mindfulness. A longer and more comprehensive intervention may show different results. Alternate measures of goal commitment, mindfulness and affect to those used in the present research may show different outcomes. These matters might be investigated in future research. The findings of the present study have practical implications in that they may inform strategies to enhance goal commitment, which results in increased motivation and self-regulation in educational, clinical, and workplace settings. For example, in educational settings, building on the finding that mindfulness training can increase reading-comprehension scores and working memory capacity (Mrazek et al., 2013 ), the impact of mindfulness on academic performance could be strengthened by encouraging students to reflect on their academic goals while in a mindful state. In clinical contexts goal setting can be integral to facilitating positive outcomes (Bailey, 2017 ). Encouraging clients and patients to adopt a mindful state when engaging in goal setting may lead to greater goal commitment in regard to achieving desired outcomes. Work-related goal commitment is linked to enhanced productivity (Zhenjing, 2022 ) In workplace settings, mindfulness training in conjunction with reflection on work related goals may lead to greater goal commitment, resulting in enhanced productivity. Declarations Author Contribution CS and NS both contributed to the study conception and design as well as material preparation. CS performed data collection and analysis. The first draft of the manuscript was written by CS. NS and CS worked on revisions of the manuscript and both authors read and approved the final manuscript. Data Availability CS and NS both contributed to the study conception and design as well as material preparation. 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Impact of Employees' Workplace Environment on Task Performance: The Mediating Role of Employee Commitment and Achievement-Striving. Frontiers in Psychology, 13 . https://doi.org/10. 389/fpubh.2022.890400 Footnotes Breathing Meditation (5 mins) by Diana Winston, UCLA Mindful - UCLA Health. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Available at: https://www.uclahealth.org/uclamindful/guided-meditations Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8273950","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":560098364,"identity":"3218fd88-25b4-4f50-9f04-b16cb0d98fa1","order_by":0,"name":"Christopher Squadrito","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of New England","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Christopher","middleName":"","lastName":"Squadrito","suffix":""},{"id":560098367,"identity":"2bf23ed1-02cd-4c43-9b92-c05e2c475504","order_by":1,"name":"Nicola Schutte","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAzklEQVRIiWNgGAWjYHACNjDJD+EwE6slwYBBsoFkLQYHiNVizn/42WPeH3/kjG/kHnzAUGGd2MB+xgCvFssZaebGPAkGxmY38pINGM6kJzbw5ODXYnCDh00aqCVx240cMwnGtsOJDQyEtJw/A9ZSv3lGjvkPxn9ALfxvCGg5kAPWkmAgkWPGwNgA1CJB0GFpZpJz0owNZ5x5YyyRcCzduE3iWQEBhx1+JvHGRk6evz3H8MOHGmvZfv7kDXi1oIIEBlhiGAWjYBSMglFAEQAAJ2w/fcQxE6gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"University of New England","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Nicola","middleName":"","lastName":"Schutte","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-12-03 22:38:15","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8273950/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8273950/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":98346768,"identity":"f6cf57ab-f6c0-4767-8cf6-411810ed1623","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-16 19:09:14","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":82714,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"ImpactofaMindfulnessInterventiononGoalCommitmentandAffectblind3Dec2025.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8273950/v1/c6b907e798b81c30528d6dba.docx"},{"id":98346767,"identity":"9cc27bef-951e-4794-b3a6-0be6de629387","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-16 19:09:14","extension":"json","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":4763,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"6d8bfa1159c9491db3cf5750023090a5.json","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8273950/v1/c399a7d8e961240456bb2ed2.json"},{"id":98346769,"identity":"37ab9562-c682-400e-9361-a893ef852ca4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-16 19:09:14","extension":"xml","order_by":2,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":203689,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"6d8bfa1159c9491db3cf5750023090a51enriched.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8273950/v1/d83c32102674759a567bd3b9.xml"},{"id":98346771,"identity":"94d99b4a-de57-4d21-bc31-24df1f03cf49","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-16 19:09:14","extension":"xml","order_by":3,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":197692,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"6d8bfa1159c9491db3cf5750023090a51structuring.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8273950/v1/16973f340b5a13ded963e05e.xml"},{"id":98346770,"identity":"1460339d-52de-4bec-b08a-f09eb4dbf080","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-16 19:09:14","extension":"html","order_by":4,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":218706,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8273950/v1/319033df8e62300ed883956a.html"},{"id":106981755,"identity":"33de07d7-ae60-42f6-bff0-1d206d37f879","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-15 11:57:45","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":769525,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8273950/v1/b60aa63b-d8fe-49ac-9083-431dc64f5d7d.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"The Impact of a Mindfulness Intervention on Goal Commitment","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe ability to maintain commitment to goals is central to successful goal pursuit and psychological well-being (Disabato et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Duckworth et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Kappes et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Klein et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Goal commitment, the determination to achieve a goal and persistence in pursuing the goal over time, consistently predicts effort and performance across diverse domains including education, health, and occupational achievement (Brandst\u0026auml;tter \u0026amp; Bernecker, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Hollenbeck et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1989\u003c/span\u003e; Koestner et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e; Moshontz \u0026amp; Hoyle, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). In workplace contexts, employees with strong commitment maintain higher productivity and performance under stress (Sungu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR88\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). In clinical contexts, adolescents with substance use problems who are strongly committed to abstinence goals show better treatment adherence and lower relapse rates (Kaminer et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). In sport, athletes with higher commitment persist longer despite setbacks, display greater resilience, and are less prone to burnout than those with weaker commitment (Wu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR99\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Beyond performance outcomes, commitment also underpins broader indicators of flourishing such as satisfaction, resilience, and meaning in life - likely because commitment sustains goal-directed action and progress on valued aims (Diener et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e; Klug \u0026amp; Maier, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Locke \u0026amp; Latham, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1991\u003c/span\u003e; Smythe et al., 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis link between commitment, effective goal behaviour, and well-being reflects what Klein and colleagues termed a volitional bond: the self-endorsed attachment to a valued goal that carries strong dedication and a felt responsibility for attainment (Klein et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). Goal-Setting Theory (GST) clarifies the functional role of commitment in the context of different aspects of goal-related functioning: specific, challenging goals improve personal performance and well-being by directing behaviour, regulating effort, and sustaining persistence \u0026ndash; but only to the extent that commitment is high (Hollenbeck \u0026amp; Klein, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1987\u003c/span\u003e, 1999; Locke \u0026amp; Latham, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1990\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Tammemagi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR90\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). Despite its importance, goal commitment is often fragile (Fruend \u0026amp; Riediger, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR76\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e; Klein \u0026amp; Wright, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e; Sch\u0026uuml;ler \u0026amp; Brandst\u0026auml;tter, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). Strengthening goal commitment has value in facilitating beneficial goal-related functioning.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFacilitating goal commitment\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommitment (and the volitional bond it reflects) rests largely on three appraisals: the individual\u0026rsquo;s assessment of a goal\u0026rsquo;s importance, belief that the goal attainable (self-efficacy related to achieving the goal), and the quality of motivation that energises pursuit (Locke \u0026amp; Latham, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e; Ryan \u0026amp; Deci, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Wolf et al., 2018; Wright et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR98\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). These appraisals are highly malleable and context-sensitive; when they weaken - either at goal adoption or during striving - commitment erodes (Deci \u0026amp; Ryan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e; Ecker, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Klein et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Oettingen et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR73\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e). During goal adoption and during goal striving, affective state is particularly pivotal because it shapes attention and regulation in ways that can either fortify or undermine these appraisals (Eysenck et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e; Fruend \u0026amp; Riediger, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR76\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e; Hopfner \u0026amp; Keith, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Strick \u0026amp; Papies, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR87\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring goal setting and stiving, individuals must decide what goal to pursue and how strongly to endorse it (Klein et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). Attentional focus, how tightly and where attention is directed, influences these goal-related (Locke and Latham, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). Negative affect can narrow attention toward threat, bias risk-averse choices, and promote avoidance and disengagement (Brandstatter \u0026amp; Bernecker, 2022; Eysenck et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e; Hofmann \u0026amp; G\u0026oacute;mez, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Moberly \u0026amp; Watkins, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). By contrast, positive affect supports stronger top-down control and broader appraisal, fostering cognitive flexibility that helps people sustain focus, update working goals, and resist interference by threat-related cues (Isen, 2000; Hofmann et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Kotabe \u0026amp; Hofmann, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Fredrickson, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e Paul et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR75\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Rowe et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR79\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). This wider attentional set may result in stronger goal commitment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoals aligned with autonomous motives typically elicit stronger commitment (Deci \u0026amp; Ryan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Self-Determination Theory proposes that such goals are experienced as self-endorsed and thus more meaningful (, Ryan \u0026amp; Deci, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Once selected, autonomous goals are pursued more persistently and with less burnout across education, sport, and health (Alberts et al., 2024; Patall et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR74\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e; Rodrigues et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe consequences of diminished goal commitment are wide-ranging. In organizations, weak commitment predicts lower productivity, reduced job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates (Sungu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR88\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). In education, diminished goal commitment predicts lower grades and elevated dropout risk (Tang et al., 2021). In clinical contexts, diminished goal commitment predicts poorer adherence and outcomes (Bailey, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Kaminer et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). These consequences underscore the need for approaches that can strengthen goal commitment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMindfulness as a Potential Pathway to Goal Commitment\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmerging evidence suggests that mindfulness, the practice of cultivating nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment (Kabat-Zinn, 1994), may support the foundations of goal commitment. Measured as either a disposition or a momentary state, mindfulness is linked to stronger attentional control, better emotion regulation, and closer alignment with personal values (Brown \u0026amp; Ryan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e; Creswell et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e), as well as reduced procrastination and avoidance (Schutte \u0026amp; Pozo de Bolger, 2020; Sirois \u0026amp; Tosti, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR85\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e), greater persistence in demanding cognitive tasks (Mrazek et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR70\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e), and more self-determined motivation (Donald et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). These capacities relate to the appraisals that underpin the possible bond between mindfulness and goal commitment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCentral to mindfulness\u0026rsquo; effects is attentional control - the capacity to return attention to a chosen anchor rather than being pulled into rumination or threat-based thoughts (Tang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR92\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). This moment-to-moment awareness spans both inner (thoughts, feelings, bodily signals) and outer (sounds, people, context) cues (Brown \u0026amp; Ryan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e; Kabat-Zinn, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e), which increases the chance that decisions draw on a fuller, less biased information set (Brown et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). Neurobiological evidence is consistent with this account: brief mindfulness training is linked to stronger engagement of control/salience networks and reduced default-mode activity implicated in self-referential rumination (Brewer et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e; H\u0026ouml;lzel et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e; Tang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR92\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Taren et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR93\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Because goal commitment translates difficulty/specificity into direction, effort and persistence (Locke \u0026amp; Latham, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e), and because shielding a chosen goal from distraction relies on executive control (Goschke \u0026amp; Bolte, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Shah et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR83\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e) gains in monitoring and control offer a plausible route by which mindfulness may strengthen the volitional bond. At goal adoption, sharper monitoring and less rumination should support a clearer appraisal of a goal\u0026rsquo;s importance and attainability, while during goal pursuit, the same control processes can support re-endorsement and protection from interference (Hafenbrack, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Moore \u0026amp; Malinowski, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR68\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e; Mrazek et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR70\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Shapiro et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR84\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMindfulness also targets the affective mechanisms that can erode commitment (Hofmann \u0026amp; G\u0026oacute;mez, 2017; Shapiro et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR84\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e). Adopting a nonjudgmental stance allows anxious thoughts and sensations to be noticed and labelled without elaboration, reducing their disruptive pull (Creswell \u0026amp; Lindsay, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Goldin \u0026amp; Gross, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Moreover, the process of decentering, perceiving thoughts and feelings as transient mental events rather than accurate self-descriptions, helps reframe setbacks as temporary problems ( for example, \u0026ldquo;this went poorly today\u0026rdquo;) rather than global self-judgments (for example, \u0026ldquo;I am inadequate\u0026rdquo;), thereby protecting self-efficacy appraisals and enabling adaptive strategy shifts (Fresco et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e; H\u0026ouml;lzel et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). Evidence that mindfulness reduces negative affect while elevating positive affect is strong overall (Goldberg et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Goyal et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Khoury et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e)As rumination subsides and positive states increase, goals appear more attainable and the self more capable (Hanley et al., 2015). At goal setting, this pattern favours the endorsement of challenging objectives; during pursuit, reduced reactivity makes derailment less likely and avoidance less tempting (Hayes et al., 2006; Khoury et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Meta-analyses indicate that even brief mindfulness practice can reduce negative affect and elevate positive affect and resilience (Goyal et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Khoury et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Kang et al., 2023; Lahtinen et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e), changes that should support attentional control, expectancy (self-efficacy), and value appraisals (Fredrickson, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e; Hanley et al., 2015; Isen, 2000).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinally, mindfulness appears to shape motivational quality. Mindfulness-to-Meaning Theory proposes that mindful practice facilitates active reappraisal and broadened awareness, heightening perceived meaning and, in turn, motivational pull (Donald et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Garland et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). More generally, by sharpening awareness of one\u0026rsquo;s \u003cem\u003einternal\u003c/em\u003e values, mindfulness can promote the selection of self-concordant goals aligned with needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness (Brown \u0026amp; Ryan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e; Carmody et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e; Ryan \u0026amp; Deci, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Such goals reliably predict stronger initial commitment and more durable persistence than externally driven aims (Donald et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Converging experiments show that even relatively short inductions can increase self-determined motivation and steer people toward goals more congruent with implicit motives (Oberleiter et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Strick \u0026amp; Papies, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR87\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). At adoption, this implies stronger endorsement of goals that feel authentically one\u0026rsquo;s own; during pursuit, the same value-congruence can buffer dips in engagement and reduce action crises (Kappes et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Marion-Jetten et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Neff \u0026amp; Germer, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR71\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe present study\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe direct impact of mindfulness practice on goal commitment - particularly during goal setting - remains underexamined. Because high levels of commitment are essential to converting intention into effort, achievement and well-being, testing whether a brief mindful pause can strengthen goal commitment is both theoretically and practically consequential.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe present study set out to examine whether a short mindfulness exercise, completed while contemplating an autonomously self-selected goal, increases goal commitment relative to a neutral control and what factors might be related to greater goal commitment. Participants were randomly assigned to either a five-minute guided breath-focus with nonjudgmental goal reflection, or a neutral writing task describing the previous day.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoal commitment and affect were measured pre- and post-intervention; state mindfulness was assessed post-intervention. We predicted that, compared with a control condition, the mindfulness practice condition would result in higher post-intervention goal commitment (H1), higher state mindfulness (H2), higher positive affect (H3), and lower negative affect (H4). We expected that mindfulness and affect influenced by the intervention might be factors connecting the intervention to goal commitment (H5).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Method","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eParticipants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipants were recruited in Australia via social media (Facebook, Reddit), professional contacts, and a university research participation opportunity announcement. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The sample comprised 120 participants, with a mean age of 39.82, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;13.63, and 57% female participants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaterials\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eGoal commitment\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommitment to a self-selected goal was assessed pre- and post-intervention with a 7-item Goal Commitment Scale drawing from existing measures (Hollenbeck et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1989\u003c/span\u003e; Klein et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e). This scale measured goal-related determination, intended effort, and persistence at that moment on a 1\u0026ndash;5 Likert scale. A sample item is \u0026lsquo;I am willing to put in time and effort to achieve this goal.\u0026rsquo; Higher scores reflect stronger commitment. Reliability in the present study was high (=α.93 at pre and α\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.93 at post).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePositive and Negative affect\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePositive and negative affect at the state level were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the PANAS (Watson et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR95\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1988\u003c/span\u003e). Each subscale comprises 10 one word affect descriptors, such as \u0026lsquo;inspired\u0026rsquo; for positive affect and \u0026lsquo;distressed\u0026rsquo; for negative affect rated 1 (\u0026ldquo;very slightly or not at all\u0026rdquo;) to 5 (\u0026ldquo;extremely\u0026rdquo;).Previous research has found the subscales to have validity and good reliability when used to assess affect at the state level (Watson et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR95\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1988\u003c/span\u003e). (. Internal consistencies in the present study were high (αs\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;.90) at each time point.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eState Mindfulness\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA brief 4-item state-mindfulness scale based on the longer Toronto Mindfulness Scale (Lau et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e), was administered post-intervention, with items such as \u0026lsquo;I was aware of my thoughts and feelings without over-identifying with them\u0026rsquo; on a 1\u0026ndash;5 scale. Previous research has found the scale to have validity and good reliability (Lau et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e). In the present study the measure showed good internal consistency at α\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.74.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eProcedure\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e The study was approved by the institution\u0026rsquo;s Research Ethics Committee. After providing informed consent, participants completed all procedures online in the Qualtrics research platform. Participants completed baseline measures of affect PANAS (PA-pre/NA-pre). Next, they identified a personally meaningful autonomous goal they hoped to achieve in the next 1\u0026ndash;3 years and completed GCS-pre. Participants were then randomly assigned via Qualtrics\u0026rsquo; built-in randomizer to either the \u003cem\u003eMindfulness Condition\u003c/em\u003e: a 5-minute audio-guided breathing meditation\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e emphasizing breath awareness and present-moment attention, during nonjudgmental reflection on the self-selected goal, or \u003cem\u003eControl Condition\u003c/em\u003e: a 5-minute neutral writing task describing the previous day\u0026rsquo;s activities, with no mindfulness or motivation content. Fifty-eight participants completed the control condition and 62 completed the mindfulness condition. Immediately after completing the respective activities comprising the conditions, participants completed post-test measures: the 4-item state-mindfulness measure, GCS-post, and PANAS (PA-post/NA-post).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThere were no significant differences on the pre-measures between groups (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e)/\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePre-test measures (baseline means and SDs by condition)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeasure\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl \u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl \u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMindfulness \u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMindfulness \u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoal Commitment (pre)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePositive Affect (pre)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNegative Affect (pre)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBaseline between-group tests (Mindfulness\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;Control)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeasure\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean Diff\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95% CI for Diff\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e(df)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCohen\u0026rsquo;s \u003cem\u003ed\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoal Commitment (pre)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.11, 0.45]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.18 (115.20)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.239\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePositive Affect (pre)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.16, 0.42]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.90 (114.25)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.368\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNegative Affect (pre)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.28, 0.24]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;0.15 (116.94)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.879\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003eNote. Categorical data are n (%); continuous data are M (SD). Welch tests use unequal-variances df. Mean Diff\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Mindfulness\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;Control. Condition coding: 0\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Control, 1\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Mindfulness.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMANOVA\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo test whether the intervention had an overall impact on the outcomes, affected the set of post-test outcomes jointly, a one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with Condition as the fixed factor and four dependent variables: goal commitment (GCS-post), state mindfulness (TMS), positive affect (PA-post), and negative affect (NA-post) was used. According to Pillai\u0026rsquo;s Trace, there was a significant multivariate effect of Condition, Pillai\u0026rsquo;s Trace\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;F(4, 115)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;8.457, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001, V\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.227, indicating a medium overall difference between groups across the four outcomes. Following the significant multivariate effect, univariate ANOVAs examined the impact of the intervention for each outcome (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eUnivariate tests (ANOVAS)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eANOVA results relating to hypothesis one, that predicted participants in the mindfulness condition would report more goal commitment than those in the control condition, showed participants in the mindfulness condition reported higher post-test goal commitment than controls, \u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(1, 118)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18.097, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001, ηp\u0026sup2; = .133 (medium effect). On the 1\u0026ndash;5 scale, the mean difference was 0.45, 95% CI [0.24, 0.66] (Mindfulness M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.65, Control M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.20).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHypothesis two predicted participants in the mindfulness condition would report higher state mindfulness than controls. Mindfulness was an outcome in its own right as well as serving as a manipulation check. ANOVA results showed that participants in the mindfulness intervention condition reported higher state mindfulness at post than those in the control condition, \u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(1, 118)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18.647, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001, ηp\u0026sup2; = .136 (medium effect). Groups differed by 0.69, 95% CI [0.38, 1.00] (Mindfulness M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.52, Control M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.83) on 1\u0026ndash;5 scale, confirming the intervention\u0026rsquo;s effectiveness and higher state mindfulness at post in the mindfulness condition.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn regard to hypothesis three (which predicted higher positive affect for those in the mindfulness condition at post-test), ANOVA results showed the mindfulness group reported higher positive affect than controls, \u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(1, 118)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12.228, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001, ηp\u0026sup2; = .094 (small-to-medium effect). The mean difference was 0.51, 95% CI [0.22, 0.80] (Mindfulness M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.33, Control M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.82).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eANOVA results for hypothesis four (regarding lower negative affect), showed groups did not differ significantly on negative affect, \u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(1, 118)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.192, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.141, ηp\u0026sup2; = .018. The mean difference was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.09, 95% CI [-0.21, 0.03] (Mindfulness M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.24, Control M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.33).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDescriptive Statistics and ANOVA Results for Post-Test Outcomes by Condition (Mindfulness vs. Control)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeasure\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMindfulness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean Diff\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(1, 118)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eη\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(M-C)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGCS (Goal Commitment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[0.24, 0.66]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.097***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.133\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTMS (State mindfulness)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[0.38, 1.00]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.647***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.136\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePA (Positive affect)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[0.22, 0.80]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.228***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.094\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNA (Negative affect)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[-0.21, 0.03]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.192\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eNote.\u003c/em\u003e Values are \u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e). Mean Diff\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Mindfulness\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;Control; 95% CIs quantify the difference on the original scale. ηp\u0026sup2; = partial eta squared.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNote\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMediation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo examine whether mindfulness and affect influenced the impact of condition on goal commitment (H5) mediations in PROCESS v4.2 (Model 4; 5,000 bootstrap samples; bias-corrected 95% CIs; HC3 SEs), tested whether state mindfulness and positive affect, which univariate analyses showed were impacted by condition, were paths connecting the impact of condition on goal commitment, Following are the results of these mediation analyses:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eMediation 1: Condition \u0026rarr; Mindfulness \u0026rarr; Goal commitment.\u003c/em\u003e Condition increased state mindfulness (a\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.721, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001), and state mindfulness predicted goal commitment controlling for Condition (b\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.170, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001). The indirect effect was significant, ab\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.123, 95% CI [.053, .209]; the direct effect remained (c\u0026prime; = .230, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.0036), indicating partial mediation (\u0026asymp;\u0026thinsp;35% of the total effect explained)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eMediation 2: Condition \u0026rarr; Mindfulness \u0026rarr; Positive affect.\u003c/em\u003e Condition increased state mindfulness (a\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.672, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001), which in turn predicted positive affect (b\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.263, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001). The indirect was significant, ab\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.176, 95% CI [.070, .323]; the direct effect of Condition on positive affect remained (c\u0026prime; = .257, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.036), again there was partial mediation (\u0026asymp;\u0026thinsp;41% of the total effect).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eMediation 3: Condition \u0026rarr; Positive affect \u0026rarr; Goal commitment.\u003c/em\u003e Condition increased positive affect (a\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.420, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001), which predicted goal commitment (b\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.172, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.0029). The indirect was smaller but significant, ab\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.072, 95% CI [.020, .141]; the direct effect remained (c\u0026prime; = .276, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001), indicating partial mediation (\u0026asymp;\u0026thinsp;21% of the effect explained).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTogether, these patterns suggest a pathway wherein the mindfulness intervention elevates state mindfulness and positive affect, which then partially account for higher goal commitment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study examined the connection between mindfulness and goal commitment. An experiment with random assignment to either a brief mindfulness exercise, during which participants contemplated a self-selected goal or completed a control activity, examined the impact of a mindfulness intervention on experienced mindfulness, goal commitment and affect. Participation in the mindfulness exercise, compared to the control activity, resulted in greater mindfulness, more goal commitment, and higher positive affect, but did not influence negative affect. Experienced mindfulness and positive affect mediated the impact of the mindfulness exercise on goal commitment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe finding that mindfulness can promote goal commitment adds to evidence regarding the benefits of mindfulness. Goal commitment is important as higher levels of goal commitment are linked to better performance and well-being (Hollenbeck \u0026amp; Klein, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1987\u003c/span\u003e, 1999; Locke \u0026amp; Latham, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1990\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Tammemagi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR90\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). Both the finding that a brief mindfulness intervention can strengthen goal commitment and the association between a higher state of mindfulness and greater goal commitment indicate that mindfulness may facilitate goal commitment. These results add to information regarding the broad benefits of mindfulness, such as those reported by Grossman et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe impact of mindfulness practice on positive affect found in the present study is consistent with findings in other studies (Badaghi et al., (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). The mediation findings of the present study, which suggested that mindfulness practice leads to an increased mindful state, which is associated with more positive affect, which then in turn is linked to greater goal commitment, extends information regarding the role of mindfulness in connection to positive affect and resulting cascading outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings of the present study have theoretical implications for understanding mindfulness process and provide insight into appraisals connected to goal commitment. Reflection while in a mindful state, which involves nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment (Kabat-Zinn, 1994) and decentering, which encourages perception of transient worrying thoughts and feelings as transient mental events and allows focus on more central aspects of the self (H\u0026ouml;lzel et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e), such as autonomous goals, may encourage intrinsic self-determined motivation and the benefits of acting on intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation results in more effort, better performance and greater well-being (Ryan \u0026amp; Deci, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe processes comprising mindfulness and associated motivation integrate with the appraisals that underlie goal commitment, namely the assessment of a goal\u0026rsquo;s importance, the belief that the goal attainable, and the quality of motivation that energises pursuit (Locke \u0026amp; Latham, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e; Ryan \u0026amp; Deci, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Wolf et al., 2018; Wright et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR98\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). For example, non-judgement reflection on a self-selected goal without interference from worrying thoughts related to achieving the goal may help an individual focus on the goal\u0026rsquo;s importance and increase perception that the goal is attainable. This may strengthen the motivation for reaching the goal.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe present study has several limitations. The sample of participants was recruited from one country, Australia. Samples from other countries and cultures may differ in their responses to a mindfulness intervention such as the one used in the present study. The mindfulness intervention used in the present study was brief an aimed to impact state-level mindfulness. A longer and more comprehensive intervention may show different results. Alternate measures of goal commitment, mindfulness and affect to those used in the present research may show different outcomes. These matters might be investigated in future research.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings of the present study have practical implications in that they may inform strategies to enhance goal commitment, which results in increased motivation and self-regulation in educational, clinical, and workplace settings. For example, in educational settings, building on the finding that mindfulness training can increase reading-comprehension scores and working memory capacity (Mrazek et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR70\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e), the impact of mindfulness on academic performance could be strengthened by encouraging students to reflect on their academic goals while in a mindful state. In clinical contexts goal setting can be integral to facilitating positive outcomes (Bailey, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Encouraging clients and patients to adopt a mindful state when engaging in goal setting may lead to greater goal commitment in regard to achieving desired outcomes. Work-related goal commitment is linked to enhanced productivity (Zhenjing, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR100\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) In workplace settings, mindfulness training in conjunction with reflection on work related goals may lead to greater goal commitment, resulting in enhanced productivity.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCS and NS both contributed to the study conception and design as well as material preparation. CS performed data collection and analysis. The first draft of the manuscript was written by CS. NS and CS worked on revisions of the manuscript and both authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCS and NS both contributed to the study conception and design as well as material preparation. CS performed data collection and analysis. The first draft of the manuscript was written by CS. NS and CS worked on revisions of the manuscript and both authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlberts, L., Lyngs, U., \u0026amp; Lukoff, K. (2024, January 31). \u003cem\u003eDesigning for Sustained Motivation: A Review of Self-Determination Theory in Behaviour Change Technologies\u003c/em\u003e. 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Associations between motivational factors and burnout syndrome among elite skiers. \u003cem\u003eBMC Psychology\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e12\u003c/em\u003e(1). \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01989-y\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1186/s40359-024-01989-y\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhenjing, G. (2022). Impact of Employees' Workplace Environment on Task Performance: The Mediating Role of Employee Commitment and Achievement-Striving. \u003cem\u003eFrontiers in Psychology, 13\u003c/em\u003e. https://doi.org/10. 389/fpubh.2022.890400\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Footnotes","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eBreathing Meditation (5 mins)\u003c/em\u003e by Diana Winston, UCLA Mindful - UCLA Health. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Available at: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.uclahealth.org/uclamindful/guided-meditations\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.uclahealth.org/uclamindful/guided-meditations\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Goal Commitment, Intervention, Mindfulness, Negative Affect, Positive Affect","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8273950/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8273950/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eGoal commitment, the determination to reach a goal and persistence in pursuing the goal, predicts performance and well-being. Because mindfulness cultivates present-focused, nonjudgmental attention that can clarify values, reduce distractibility, and elevate positive affect, it may plausibly increase goal commitment. This study tested whether a short mindfulness exercise boosts goal commitment relative to a neutral control exercise. One hundred twenty adults (mean age\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;39.82, 57% female) participated in the study. Participants identified a self-selected personal goal and then completed either a guided breath mindfulness exercise coupled with goal reflection intervention or a neutral control writing task. Goal commitment and affect were measured pre- and post-task participation; state mindfulness was assessed post-task participation. A multivariate test indicated a significant overall effect of condition, Pillai\u0026rsquo;s Trace\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;F(4, 115)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;8.457, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001, V\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.227. Univariate analyses showed higher post-test goal commitment,, \u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(1, 118)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18.097, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001, ηp\u0026sup2; = .133; state mindfulness, \u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(1, 118)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18.647, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001, ηp\u0026sup2; = .136; and positive affect, \u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(1, 118)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12.228, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001, ηp\u0026sup2; = .094, among the mindfulness condition participants than control condition participants, and no significant difference in negative affect. Experienced mindfulness and positive affect mediated the impact of the intervention on goal commitment. The findings suggest that a brief, mindfulness activity can increase commitment to a self-selected goal, alongside gains in mindfulness and positive affect, and these findings may inform strategies to enhance motivation and self-regulation related to goals in educational, clinical, and workplace settings.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The Impact of a Mindfulness Intervention on Goal Commitment","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-12-16 19:09:09","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8273950/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"bfa61420-525e-4162-9320-8cc19c4a0511","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 16th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-15T11:55:22+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-12-16 19:09:09","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8273950","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8273950","identity":"rs-8273950","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}