Too Zen to Act? Trait Mindfulness Negatively Associates with Economic Inequality-Related Collective Action Through BIS Sensitivity

The present paper investigates the relationship between trait mindfulness, behavioural inhibition system (BIS) sensitivity, and collective action against economic inequality. Specifically, we investigate whether mindfulness was associated with collective action through emotional regulatory mechanisms. In Study 1 (N = 675), a simple mediation analysis showed that higher levels of mindfulness were associated with lower BIS sensitivity which, in turn, was correlated with stronger intentions to participate in collective action. Trait mindfulness was thus indirectly related to collective action through reduced BIS sensitivity. Study 2 (N = 504) further explored these findings by testing a serial mediation model including negative emotions. Results indicated that trait mindfulness was negatively associated with collective action via a sequential reduction in both BIS sensitivity and negative affect. These findings highlight the nuanced and complex role of mindfulness in shaping interpersonal and collective behaviours and contribute to a clearer understanding of how emotion regulation influences collective responses to economic inequality.