Neuroticism, Cognitive Failures, and Mind-Wandering; Exploring the Mediating Role of Mindfulness

Abstract

An intact cognitive system is very important for the smooth functioning of an individual on a routine basis. However, just like any other thing in the world, the cognitive system too is imperfect; it does experience a glitch from time to time, which although common for humans to endure, is a little more common for more individuals. Of the many factors underpinning this phenomenon, certain personality traits seem to be quite influential. Neuroticism has consistently been found to predict cognitive failures, more readily than the other personality traits; it has often been associated with workplace accidents and errors, and in general poor cognitive performance. Therefore, the present study has chosen to solely focus on this personality trait, with an attempt to add on to the “Mental-Noise Hypothesis” of neuroticism by Robinson and Tamir (2005). Investigating mindfulness in terms of a missing piece in this funny relationship is the core of this research effort. In the present study, correlational design was employed, and alongside partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was undertaken. A mediation model has been proposed in this study, with respect to two parallely running, yet independent relationships; the relationship between neuroticism and cognitive failures, and that between neuroticism and mind-wandering (a sub-type of cognitive failures) were investigated simultaneously, with the mediating role of mindfulness in each. The results of the data obtained from a sample of 122 people have supported the mediation model completely. It turns out that that trait neuroticism potentially influences the inherent mindfulness levels of individuals, consequently influencing their propensity to experience cognitive failures as a whole, at least partially, and mind-wandering, fully