Relationships between Mindfulness, Dysfunctional Cognition Regarding Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Vomiting Avoidance Behaviors

This study examined the relationships between the subfactors of mindfulness, dysfunctional cognition regarding gastrointestinal symptoms as imminent signs of vomiting (DCGS), and the avoidance of one’s own vomiting experience. Data from 236 university students were analyzed. Correlational and mediation analyses suggested that the mindfulness subfactors of “observing” and “nonjudging” were associated with avoidance behaviors, while being mediated by DCGS. Specifically, nonjudging showed negative associations with DCGS and avoidance behaviors, whereas observing showed positive associations.