Being present with oneself: mindfulness predicts and results in reduced self-objectification, with implications for meaning in life

Abstract The broader and non-sexual form of self-objectification—perceiving oneself as a tool for others’ goals (self-instrumentality) and denying one’s humanness (self-denial of humanness)—can occur in various contexts and among everyone. Despite its negative consequences, few studies have systematically examined ways to reduce this form of non-sexual self-objectification. The current research aimed to investigate whether mindfulness, either as a chronic trait or a temporarily induced state, could mitigate both dimensions of self-objectification. Across four studies ( N total = 5,132), including three large-sample surveys (Studies 1, 3A, and 3B), and one laboratory experiment (Study 2), we consistently found that mindfulness predicts and results in reduced self-objectification, including decreased self-instrumentality and lower self-denial of humanness. Additionally, as a secondary aim, we found that reduced self-denial of humanness, but not reduced self-instrumentality, as predicted by mindfulness, is further associated with an increased sense of meaning in life (Studies 3A and 3B). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.