Mindfulness and wellbeing in older adults’ survivors of herdsmen attack. The mediating effect of positive reappraisal

Abstract

Objective: The Fulani herdsmen are pastoralists who move from place to place in search of vegetation for their herds cattle. The random movement of cattle has frequently led to the destruction of crops belonging to farmers. This has resulted to violent clashes between the two groups. Such events are capable of impacting on the wellbeing of the older adult survivors and affected individuals may need adequate psychological resources such as mindfulness and positive emotions such as positive appraisal to be able to cope successfully. There is substantial evidence supporting the association of mindfulness and psychological wellbeing, but little is known about the mechanism through which mindfulness exert its influence on wellbeing. The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of positive reappraisal in the relation between mindfulness and wellbeing among older adult survivors of Fulani herdsmen attack.

Methods: A sample of older adult survivors of Fulani herdsmen attack (N = 308, mean age = 59.72 years) were drawn from a community in southeast, Nigeria. Participants completed self-report measures of mindfulness, positive reappraisal, life satisfaction, perceived stress and depression.

Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that Mindfulness and positive reappraisal were independently associated with wellbeing (better life satisfaction, lower perceived stress and fewer depressive symptoms), yet this association was fully mediated by positive reappraisal.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the potential value of mindfulness meditation intervention programs for the vulnerable as it is capable of promoting positive emotional live and wellbeing in late life.

Keywords:

• Herdsmen attack
• survivors
• mindfulness
• wellbeing
• positive reappraisal

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.