The Relationship Between Dispositional Mindfulness and Conditional Goal Setting in Depressed Patients

Objectives: This study explored the association between conditional goal setting (CGS; the tendency to view the achievement of high order goals for the self as conditional upon the achievement of lower order goals) and dispositional mindfulness.

Design/methods: CGS and dispositional mindfulness were assessed in 31 depressed patients in a cross-sectional design.

Results: A significant association was identified between increased dispositional mindfulness and reduced CGS, which remained after controlling for severity of depressed mood.

Conclusions: The results suggest that treatment interventions that increase levels of mindful awareness may have the capacity to reduce CGS in depressed patients.