Influence of Age and Gender on Mindfulness-Cognitive Science

Abstract

Introduction: Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully aware of where we are and what we’re
doing. It is a special form of attention, a cognitive phenomenon that can increase awareness of internal pain
or stress and help to cultivate habits of practicing self-care. Mindfulness is an attribute of consciousness
long believed to promote well-being. This study was carried out to analyse the age and gender differences
in assessment of mindfulness.
Materials and Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted in the Department of Physiology,
VMMC, Karaikal over a period of three months. Mindfulness is assessed using Mindful Attention Awareness
Scale (MAAS) It is a 15 item, Likert type 6 point scale with each having score ranging from low (1) to a high
score (6) proportional to the degree of mindfulness. The structured questionnaire sent to subjects through the
mail, WhatsApp in the form of google doc link. Individual responses received and the data analyzed.
Result: A total of 330 study participants were included in the study. Majority of study participants scored
between 3-5 (70%) followed by >5 (17.8%). The mean score among females was higher compared to males.
Using Independent t test the t value is -1.807 and the p value is 0.072. Interesting observation was made in
the present study, as age advances there is a trend of increase in mindfulness score.
Conclusion: Our study conclude that there is trend that as age advances mindfulness increases and females
show greater degree of mindfulness compared to males though statistically not significant.