Master of Science (M.S.), Xavier University, 2020, Psychology

The current study investigated perceptions of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in the context of volunteerism. This study considered individual differences including empathy, openness to experience, and neuroticism. It was proposed that there would be a positive correlation between empathy and reported hours of volunteer work. Findings indicated that there was no significant correlation between empathy and reported frequency of volunteering. Additionally, it was proposed that there would be a positive correlation between empathy and ratings of MBSR perceived attractiveness and helpfulness. Findings from this study provided evidence for a significant positive relationship between empathy and perceptions of MBSR attractiveness and helpfulness. Also hypothesized and detected was a significant positive correlation between openness to experience and perceptions of MBSR attractiveness and helpfulness. A hypothesized relationship between ratings of neuroticism and MBSR perceptions, however, did not emerge. Because MBSR can be an effective training (e.g., Brown & Ryan, 2003; Positive Psychology Program, 2019), understanding which individual differences, including empathy, openness to experience, and neuroticism, correlate with perceptions of MBSR helpfulness and attractiveness is useful for management in volunteer and non-profit organizations.

Committee: Morrie Mullins Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Dalia Diab Ph.D. (Committee Member); Eric Barrett M.A. (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Psychology; Behavioral Sciences; Behaviorial Sciences; Business Community; Business Education; Labor Relations; Management; Occupational Psychology; Organizational Behavior; Personality; Personality Psychology; Psychology