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Mindfulness and Well-Being

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The Happy Mind: Cognitive Contributions to Well-Being

Abstract

We begin this chapter by defining mindfulness and giving a brief historical overview for contextual purposes. In defining mindfulness, we focus on three core elements – intention, attention, and attitude. In the next section of the chapter, we review the empirical literature – which highlights the link between mindfulness as a state, trait, and practice – to physical and psychological well-being in both clinical and non-clinical samples. Throughout the chapter, we invite potential opportunities for new research directions. Finally, we detail formal and informal practices for cultivating mindfulness in an effort to enhance one’s own well-being.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Institute of Personality and Social Research, University of California, Berkeley, 4152 Tolman Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720-1650, USA

    Hooria Jazaieri

  2. Department of Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, USA

    Shauna Shapiro

Authors
  1. Hooria Jazaieri
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  2. Shauna Shapiro
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Correspondence to Hooria Jazaieri .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology, NDSU Department 2765, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA

    Michael D. Robinson

  2. Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Michael Eid

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Jazaieri, H., Shapiro, S. (2017). Mindfulness and Well-Being. In: Robinson, M., Eid, M. (eds) The Happy Mind: Cognitive Contributions to Well-Being. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58763-9_3

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