Exploring the relationship between mindfulness and rock-climbing: a controlled study

Abstract Mindfulness is a meditative practice that has received increasing attention within positive psychology as an effective tool to increase wellbeing and decrease anxiety. Previous research demonstrated rock-climbers have higher endorsement of mindfulness life satisfaction than the general population; yet date, no empirically explored relationship between rock-climbing. In current study fifty-nine participants ( $$ \overline{\mathrm{x}} x ¯ = 20.63, SD 1.60) were asked complete measures mindfulness, anxiety before after participating in ‘intervention’. The intervention consisted activity followed by either indoor bouldering (a form rock-climbing) versus physical control. A mixed ANOVA revealed participation increased measure significantly more control activity; however, significant group differences found for regression analysis then condition accounted 33% variance post-intervention levels when controlling baseline mindfulness. This first experimentally demonstrate engagement with rock-climbing increases young adults. Theoretically, results implications our understanding “flow” optimal human experience. Practically, highlights potential implement resilience-building integrate sport therapeutic frameworks.