The Relationship between Home-Based Mindfulness Meditation and Quality of Life among Adults in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Mindfulness meditation is increasingly recognized in contemporary psychology as a therapeutic technique to promote optimal living and it is defined as paying purposeful, non-judgmental attenti on to the present moment, which enhances the quality of life (QOL). In Sri Lanka, people primarily engage in home-based meditation for spiritual well- being, but there is limited research on its broader effects. This study aims to examine the relationship between home-based mindfulness meditation (MM) practices and QOL, and to explore the duration of MM practices and mindfulness attention awareness among practitioners. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational study was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling methods, collecting data from 104 daily home-based meditators in Colombo, Sri Lanka, including 57 females and 47 males. Two self- administered questi onnaires were utilized including the World Health Organization Quality of Life- BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale, and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) to measure QOL and mindfulness practices. Statistical analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25 revealed a significantly moderate positive correlation between the frequency of mindfulness meditation and the physical, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains of QOL. Additionally, individuals who practiced mindfulness more frequently exhibited higher levels of attention awareness. Additionally, it was found that females were more likely than males to engage in home- based mindfulness practices frequently or with greater intensity. Keywords: quality of life; home-based mindfulness meditation; attention awareness