Mindfulness as a pathway to reducing anger rumination and aggression in male prisoners

Abstract

Mindfulness has been associated with reductions in anger rumination and aggressive behaviour, making it particularly relevant in prison settings.

Aim

This study examined the relationship between trait mindfulness, anger rumination and aggression in a sample of 187 male prisoners, aged between 22 and 77 years (M = 41.20, SD = 11.95), with a prison sentence in months of M = 86.42, SD = 97.8.

Method

Self-report measures were used to assess trait mindfulness, anger rumination and aggression (physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility).

Results

Negative correlations were found between trait mindfulness and the different dimensions of aggression, as well as between trait mindfulness and anger rumination. Additionally, anger rumination was positively correlated with all forms of aggression. The regression analyses revealed that trait mindfulness significantly predicted lower levels of all types of aggression, with the greatest impact being on anger. The mediation analyses pointed to anger rumination significantly mediating the relationship between trait mindfulness and anger, hostility and overall aggression.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the relevance of addressing cognitive mechanisms such as anger rumination to understanding aggressive behaviour in prison environments. While causal conclusions cannot be drawn, the results have implications for the use of interventions aimed at increasing mindfulness in prison populations.