The Role of Mindfulness in Psychology and Well-Being
Keywords:
Mindfulness, Psychology, Well-beingAbstract
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in enhancing psychological well-being through various approaches, with mindfulness being one of the most widely studied. Mindfulness is the process of being consciously aware of the present moment without judgment. A growing body of research suggests that mindfulness can significantly contribute to psychological well-being by reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing subjective well-being. This paper aims to explore the role of mindfulness in fostering psychological well-being by reviewing relevant theories, empirical studies, and underlying psychological and neurobiological mechanisms. Findings indicate that mindfulness enhances self-awareness and positive decision-making while decreasing tendencies toward negative emotional responses such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, mindfulness practice has been linked to structural and functional changes in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which play crucial roles in emotion regulation. Furthermore, this article discusses practical applications of mindfulness in daily life and its integration into clinical, educational, and organizational settings to improve individual and collective well-being. The findings highlight mindfulness as an effective tool for promoting mental health and overall well-being at both personal and societal levels.
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